LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



DDDDSSntE? 













f\> o »♦ • "^ A> '^ A^ 


















A NEW 

AMERICAN 
sJIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY^ 

OR, *. 

REMEMBRANCER 

OF THE 

DEPARTED HEROES & STATESMEN 



AMERICA. 

CONFINED EXCLUSIVBLV TO THOSE 

/Wrt fi»»«rr^Ax.i^i!irr tutsmsEXVES IN EITHER CA- 
PACITY, IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR WHICH 
OBTAINED THE INDEPENDENCE OF THEIR 
COUNTRY. 

COMPILED PROM THE BEST PUBLICATIONS. 



BY THOMAS J. ROGERS. 



'^ The deeds of long descended ancestors, 
" Are but by grace of imputation ours," 



EASTON, PENN : 

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY T, J. ROGERS, 
1813. 







District op Pennsylvanta, to wit. 

Be it remembered. That on the twenty^ 
*^ fourth day of March, in the thirty-sixth year of 
the Independence of the United Stales of Ame- 
rica, A D, 1812, Thomas j. Rogers, of the 
said District, hath deposited in ihis uffioe the 
title of a Book, the right wht reof he claims as 
proprietor, in the words following, to wit : 
'* A Nevi American Biographical Dictionary ,- or, Reinem,' 
brancer, of the departed Heroes and Statesmen of ATne- 
rica. Confined exclusively to those ivho signalized them' 
selves in either capacity in the Revolutionary War, ivhich 
obtained the Independence oj" their country. Co'inpiledfro'm, 
the hfst fiuhlications^ By Thomas y. Rogers. 
*' The dccUo uf io7ig dpsr.ended ancestors, 
** Are but by grace of i-nvc^- --*:... — --'* 

In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United 
Slates, intituled, '* An act for the encouragement of learn- 
ing, by securing the copies of maps, charts, and books, to 
the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times 
therein mentioned." And also to the act entitled, " An act 
supplementary to an act, entitled, «' An act for the en- 
couragement of learning, by securing the copies of maps, 
charts, and books, to the authors and propiietors of such 
copies during the times therein mentioned,'* and extemling 
the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engr.aving, and 
etching historical and other prints." 

D. CALDWELL. 
Clerk of the district of Pennsylvania.. 



V^ 



// 



PREFACE; 



In the following work the editor has giveu 
as complete and satisfactory a sketch, as could 
be obtained, of the lives and characters of those 
heroes and statesmen, now deceased, who act- 
ed a conspicuous part, or who signalized them- 
selves in the great and memorable contest 
that gave freedom to America. The present 
work is intended to perpetuate as well the 
laames as the achievements of those who 
fougb* «»"'^ '^I'^d for tlie liberty and independ- 
ence of our country, and by whose prudence, 
fidelity, and heroic conduct, the United States 
have become a great, free, and powerful na- 
tion. In all ages and in all nations, Biogra- 
phy has been much esteemed ; for to all clas- 
ses of citizens, the grave and the gay, the let- 
tered and the unlearned, it is the most amus- 
ing and instructive kind of history. To be ac- 
quainted with the lives and characters of our 
most eminent and distinguished citizens, and 
particularly those patriots, who nobly came 
forward and contended for American liberty, 
is no doubt the wish and desire of the great 
portion of the American people. Hence every 
citizen must feel a lively interest in the Bio« 
graphy and memoirs of those departed wor- 
thies who contributed, in a great degree, to 
rescue us from a state of bondage and oppres 
sion^ to that of freedom and happiness. 



*^ PBEFACE. 

Amci'ica has had her full proportion of genius. 
In every art and in every science, she can point, 
with pleasure, to some of her sons conspicuous 
among the nations of the earth ; and however 
pleasing and instructive it might he to detail 
the lives of all those, the editor has noticed 
only such departed worthies who signalized 
themselves, either in the cahinet or the field, 
during the revolutionary war with Great Bri- 
tain, Here may the youth, wlio wish to act a 
distinguished part in the cabinet, endeavor to 
imitate Franklin, Hancock, Adams and Hen- 
ry. Here may the soldier, whose only ambi- 
tion is patriotism and glory, be animated to 
acquire the laurels, gained by Washington, 
Greene, Montgomery, Gatoo, Khua, Wnynd 
and Warren. And here may the seaman dwell 
with delight and satisfaction, on the heroic 
actions of Biddle, Preble, Jones, Barry, and 
Manly. In a word, here may the sons of 
America trace the lineaments of their fathers' 
glory, and by their example learn to imitate 
their deeds. 

The editor has considered it unnecessary to 
give credit, in the body of the work, to those 
authors from whom he has selected. He, 
liowcver, considers it his duty to m(.Mition, that 
he has been much indebted to Allen's, Har- 
die's, Elliot's, and Kingston's biographical dic- 
tionaries. The Port Folio, now published in 
Philadelphia, the American Museum, and, ia 
a particular manner, to Lee's memoirs of the 
war in the southern department of the United 
States, for many, very many of the charac- 
ters, who compose the present work. In a 



i 



PUEFACE. Y 

few instances ho has collected biography and 
anecdotes of eminent men, that have never be- 
fore appeared, except in the ephemeral publi- 
cations of the day. 

No work of the kind has hitherto been pub- 
lished, and the editor has been particularly 
careful to select, with the strictest impartia- 
lity, a sketch of the lives and characters of 
those departed heroes and statesmen, without 
respect to country or station, who signalized 
themselves, in either capacity, in the revolu- 
tionary war, which obtained the independence 
of our country. There are many, no doubt, 
who highly distinguVJied themselves, whose 
names have not been memioned, through ne- 
gleo-t o£ their frionfls, flotwitlisianding repeat- 
ed solicitations from the editor. However, it 
is presumed, that if a second editiojv should 
appear they will not be again neglected. 

The editor submits the work, such as it is^ 
to the public. If his industry and applica^on 
will have a tendency to contribute towards Jlie 
amusement or instruction of the rising gene- 
ration, he will not regret the time and labor 
which he bestowed in compiling it. 

'EdBtoih *^tay if 1813. 



A NEW 



AMERICAN 
BIOGRAPHICAL DIOTIONAllY 



ADAMS, Samuel, late governor of IMassii- 
fsliii«»tta> eminent iov liis piety, aiid one oi* ilic 
most distinguished heroes of the American re- 
Yohition, Avas descended from ancestors highly 
rcspectahle, and horn in Boston on the 17th of 
Septemher 1722. Having received the rudi- 
siients of a liheral education at the grannnar- 
school under the care of a Mr. Lovell, he \s"do 
admitted a student of the university of Har- 
vard in the year 1736. Here he made consi- 
derable proficiency in classical learning, logic, 
and in natural philosophy ; but^ as he Avas de- 
signed for the ministry, a proTession to >vhich 
he seems to have heen much inclined^ his stu- 
dies were particularly directed to systematic 
divinity. He received the degree of A. E. in 
1740, and that of A. M. in 1743. 

Early distinguished by talents as a ^vriter, 
his first attempts Avere proofs of his filial piety. 
By his efforts he iireserved the estate of his 

A 



I ADAMS. 

fuilicr, wiiicli liail been attaclicc! on aecoimi of 
an engagement in the land bank bubble. He 
became apolitical writer during tlie administra- 
tion of Sbirley, to which he Avas opposed, as he 
thouglit the union of so much civil and mili- 
tary power in one man Avas dangerous. His in- 
genuity, wit, and profound argument are spo- 
ken of with the highest respect by those whto 
were contemporary Avith him. At tliis early 
period he laid tlie foundation of public confi- 
dence and esteem. 

>yhy Mr. Adams did not assume tlie clerical 
character so congenial to his views and habits 
docs not appear ; but for many years he Avas un- 
certain Avhat line of life to pursue. lie only en- 
gaged in a petty kind of trafficking ; his busi- 
ness AVaS small, his situation humble, and he 
seemed to Avalk in tlie vales and descents of 
life, rather than to be formed for conspicuous 
stations or very active scenes. The same po- 
litical cast of mind then appeared, Avhich influ- 
enced his conduct afterwards. 

As Ave liave said his employment Avas hum- 
ble, it may be proper to mention that his first 
oCice in the town Avas that of tax gatherer ; 
which the opposite party in politicks often al- 
luded to, and in their controversies would style 
liim Samuel the PuhJican, While the British 
} egiments Avere in toAvn, the tories enjoyed a 
kind of triumph, and invented every mode of 
b^irlesquing the popular leaders : but Avhere 
the people tax themselves the office of collec- 
tor is respectable ; it Avas at that time given 
to gentlemen Avho had seen better days, and 
needed some pecuntary assistance, having me- 



ADAMS. 



riled the esteem and confidence of tlieii* lellow 
townsmen. Mr. Adams was ill qualified to fill 
an ofiice which required such constant atten- 
tion to pecuniary matters ,• and, his soul being; 
bent on politicks, he passed morclinie in talk- 
ing against Great Britain than in collecting the 
sums due to the town. He grew embarrassed 
in his eireumstances, and was assisted, not only 
by private friends, but by luanj others who 
knew him only as a spirited partisan in ilm 
cause of liberty. 

From this time, the whigs were determined 
to support him to the utmost of their power. — 
He had been ahvays on their side, was firm 
and sagacious, one of the best writers in the 
newspapers, ready upon every question, but es- 
pecially conversant with all matters which re- 
lated to the dispute betv/een Great Britain and 
the colonies. 

When the stamp act was the subject of con- 
versation, of public resentment, and succeeding 
tumults, Mr. Adams was one of those impor- 
tant characters, who appeared to oppose it in 
every step. He did not think it amiss to puU 
down the ofllce, though he disapproved of the 
riotous proceedings whicli the* same lawless 
men were guilty of afterwards ; for every suc- 
ceeding night witnessed the rage of an infatua- 
ted populace, and no man in any ofiiec what 
ever was safe in his habitation. If a man had 
any pique against his neighbor, it was only to 
call him a few hard names, and his property 
would certainly be destroyed, his house pulled 
down, and his life be in jeopardy. The autho- 
rity of the town put an end to this savasre cou 



duct by oalling out the niilitia; and soon aCtei 
the news of the repeal of the stamp act quieted 
the mhids of all classes of people. 

The taxes upon tea, oil aud colours^ were still 
more odious to the Americans than the stamp 
act; especially to tlie inhabitants of Boston, 
where the board of commissioners was esta- 
blished. The people looked to Mr. Adams as 
one of the champions of liberty, who must stand 
forth against every claim of Great Britain, and 
deny the right ©f the parent state to lay a tax f 
nor" where they disappointed. He was so stre- 
nuous in his exertions to make the people sen- 
sible of their charter privileges, that he ob- 
tained the appellation of the patriot Samuel 
Mams. 

Mr. Adams was a member of the general 
court from the town of Boston ; and as he had 
frequently delivered his sentiments in the pub- 
lic papers, and being a ready penman was often 
employed on committees to make reports, ad- 
dresses, &c. and to vindicate iha acts of the 
legislature. He assisted in writing most of 
the letters, wliich were sent to the secretary 
of state. One letter addressed to the earl of 
Hillsborough Avas entirely his. His draught 
was accepted by the liousc of representatives, 
and, without any alteration, sent to thatnoblc- 
mnn, who was supposed to be most inimical to 
the colonies of all the king's servants; and 
whose name was never mentioned in MaBsachu - 
setts without reproach. 

In 1765, he was elected a member of the ge- 
neral assemldy of Massachusetts, in the place, 
»f Oxcnbridge Thacher, Esq. deceased. lU. 



ADAMb. 5 

waa soon chosen clerk, aiitl lie giadually ac- 
quired influence in the legislature. This was 
an eventful time. But Mr. Adams possessed 
a courage >vhich no dangers could shake. He 
Avas undismayed by the prospect, Avhicli struck 
terror into the hearts of many. He ^vas a mem- 
ber of the legislature near ten years, and he 
Avas the soul whieli animated it to the most 
important resolutions. No man did so much. 
He pressed his measures with ardor ; yet he 
was prudent ; he kncAV how to bend the pas- 
sions of others to his purpose. 

In the year 1769, the governor removed the 
general court to Cambridge. The members 
considered it as an infringement of their rights. 
Mr. Adams was on tJie committee to draw up 
their remonstrances, which wore warm and ur- 
gent. For several years the governor thus- 
obeyed his instructions, to keep the assembly 
out of Boston. There were some altercations 
among the representatives, whether they would 
]iroceed or not to business ; and when it was 
determined to go on, there was a spirited pro- 
test, h\ which our politician took a very con- 
spicuous pas't. During these sessions at Cam- 
bridge, a diflbrence of opinion arose, upon some 
scco-ndary matters, between Adanis and Han- 
cock, wlilcli cooled their friendslkip, and was 
succeeded by an antipathy, that had an eifeet 
upon I he minds of the people, many of whom 
took a warm interest in this personal animosi- 
ty, thoiigii (hey agreed in political sentiments ; 
and acted together in the great affairs wliith 
arrested the attention of all the whigs. Ti & 
lirst iinprcssior.s were unfavorable to Mr, A- 

A. tl 



& ABAMS. 

dams; for many of tlie liigh whigs tliouglit 
liim austere and rigid in his notions, that he 
was opinionated, and that his object was as 
much to mortify Hutchinson, and gratify his 
resentment against the tories, as to serve the 
cause of freedom. Hancock was the idol of 
the populace : his spirit was generous, he en- 
Joyed an affluence of wealth, which he was 
ready to bestow on all public occasions : he 
was affable, condescending, and very engaging 
in his manners. Mr. Adams preferred to be 
Hiought a Cato rather than a Luciillus, His 
friends were lessened in number, but they were 
the sternest republicans ; and those, perhaps, 
who first dared to view our independence as 
near. They called themselves the most con- 
sistent whigs. Others called them the rest- 
less spirits of their party, who wished not to 
have grievances redressed, but to sail upon 
troubled Avaves, as their own political impor- 
tance depended upon the tumult of the people. 
They mixed in public assemblies ; used a coar- 
ser style of speaking in the streets ; and cal- 
culated upon the future scenes which would 
open for the emancipation of the country. — 
The period soon arrived : The battle of Lex- 
ington gave the moderate party a zeal which 
blazed, and evei^^ man became a patriot. A- 
dams and Hancock were proscribed soon after 
by Gage's proclamation. This was all they 
wanted to raise their reputation to the highest 
pitch. Before they could have known this, 
they had reason to be satisfted with the tri- 
umpli of the whigs, and must have been fully 
persuaded they were safe in any paft of the 



ADAMS. -r 

country. These gentlemen were in Lexington 
tl)e very niglit the British troops left Boston, 
nod it ^vas generally supposed that part of the 
errand was to take them. They received such 
Intelligence as to he on their guard. A friend 
of Mr. Adams spread a report that he spake 
witli pleasure on the occurrences of the 19th 
of April. "It is a fine day," said he, walking 
in the Held after the day dawned. *• Vei^ 
pleasant," answered one of his companions, 
supposing him to be contemplating the beau- 
ties of the sky. " I mean," he replied, " thts 
day is a glorious day for America." So fear- 
less was he of consequences, so intrepid in the 
midst of danger, so eager to look forward to 
the lustre of events tliat would succeed the 
gloom which then involved the minds of the 
people. Mr* Adams had been a member of 
the continental congress the preceding year. — 
In this situation he rendered the most impor- 
tant services to his country. His eloquence 
was well adapted to the times in which he lived. 
The energy of his language corresponded with 
the firmness and vigor of his mind. His heart 
glowed with the feelings of a patriot, and his 
eloquence was simple, majestic and persuasive. 
He was one of the most efficient members of 
Congress. He possessed keen penetration, un- 
shaken fortitude, and permanent decision. 

Mr. Adams was chosen secretary of the state 
of Massachusetts in the year 1774, while the 
general court were at Cambridge. The busi- 
ness was performed by a deputy until the year 
that his seat was vacated in Congress. He 
wa's never afterwards a candidate for any office 



& ADAMS. 

out Ox Massachusetts government. While he 
sat ii> Congress the declaration of Independence 
Avas made, which he urged ^vith the utmost 
zeal. Also the articles of the old confedera- 
tion to which he was always much attached. — 
It was a favourite expression, which he often 
gave as a toast in public companies and pri- 
vate circles : " The states united, and the states 
separate,*' 

In 1776, he united with Franklin, J. Adams, 
Hancock, Jefferson, and a host of worthies, in 
declaring the United States no longer an apen- 
dagc to a monarchy, but free and independent, 

From being secretary of the commonwealth 
of Massacliusetts, Mr. Adams was chosen a 
member of the senate of tlic state after the 
government was formed in the year 1780, and 
was placed at the head of that respectable 
branch of the legislature. He had been one 
of the m.embers of the convention which form- 
ed the government, was a principal leader in 
the debates, and eminently useful, from his 
knowledge and experience, in Hie committee 
which imide the first draught ; as well as In 
the great body which shaped it in its present 
form ; and styled it the Constitution of Gorcrn- 
mcni for the stale of MassachiiseUs, The ad- 
dress of the convention to the people was com- 
posed by him, snd another gentlemen who has 
since filled several o!!ices of honor and trui^t 
in the commonwealth. 

During the time of his influence in the Se- 
nate, there was an insurrection, which threa- 
tened the overthrow of the government. Who- 
ever recollects the popular phrcnsy, will givo 



ADAMS. 9 

tlue credit to the wise, spirited and energetic 
measures which were then urged, and carried 
into effect. The most direful consequences 
were prevented, the tumult was soon quelled, 
and the people as soon convinced of their de- 
lusion. In this dark scene of adversity, when 
even a. civil war had commenced, no man was 
more firm and intrepid than Mr. Adams. It 
was his constant declaration, that repuhUcs 
could exist only hy a due suhmission to the 
laws : that the laws ought to he put in force 
against all opposition, and that a government 
could he supported hy the exertions of a free, 
virtuous and enlightened people. 

He was a member of the convention for ex- 
amining the constitution of the United States. 
He made objections to several of its provisions, 
but his principal objection was to that article, 
which rendered the several states amenable to 
the courts of the nation. He thought this re- 
duced them to mere corporations; that the so- 
vereignty of each would be dissolved; and that 
a consolidated government, supported by an 
army, would be the consequence. The consti- 
tution Avas afterwards altered in this point, and 
in most other respects according to his wishes. 

In 1789, he was chosen licutenar.t governor, 
and was continued in this office till 1794, when 
lie was elected governor, as successor to Mr. 
Hancock. He was annually replaced in the 
chair of the first magistrate of Massachusetts 
till 1797, when his age and infirmities induced 
him to retire from public life. 

The leading traits in the character of Mr. 
Adams, were an unco'^querable love of liberty, 



10 ADA31S. 

integrity, firmness and decision. Some acts of 
Lis adniioistration, as chief magistiate, ^ere 
^ensured, lhou;;h all allowed his motives wen- 
pure. A division in political sentiments at that 
time existed, and it Las since increased. AVhen 
he differed from the majority he acted with 
great independence. At the close of (he wai 
he opposed peace with Gi^eat Britain, unU- ^ 
the ^'ortlieni States rctairjrd theh* full p!i>i- 
leges in the flsheiitb. In i7b7, he advi^cil thr 
execution of the condign punishment, to which 
the leaders of the rehellion, in 1780, liad been 
sentenced. He was opposed to the treaty with 
Great Britain, made by Mr. Jay in iryi, and 
he put his election to hazard by avowinjj; his 
dislike of it. He was censured for his conduct ; 
but be undoubtedly had a right to express his 
opinion, and his situation made it his duty to 
point out to the people what be conceived to 
be the causes of danger. 

Mr. Adams was a man of incorruptible in- 
tegrity, xlttempts were probably made by thr 
British to bribe him. Gov. Hutchinson, in an- 
swer to the inquiry, why Mr. Adams was no'. 
taken oft' from his opposition by an ofiic<% 
writes to a friend in England, " Such is t!ic 
obstinacy and inflexible disposition of the man, 
that he never can be conciliated by any oilicc 
or gift whatever.'* 

lie was poor. While occupied abroad in th«} 
most important and responsible i;n))lic duties, 
the partner of his cai'cri supported t'lc fan:iJv 
at home by her industry. Though his rcsoiir- 
ees were very small, yet such was the economy 
and dignity of his hcutie, that (!iose, wlio cas'i- 



ADAMS. 11 

uUv visited him, found nothing mean, or nnbe- 
coniing liis station. His countn', to whose in- 
terest he had devoted his life, permitted him 
to remain poor ; but there were not wanting; a 
lew friends who showed him their regard. In 
this Iionorahle poverty he eontinued to a \cr\ 
lute period of Ijis life; and had not a decent 

{•oni!>etency fallen into his hands hv the very 
km, » » 

iifnicting event of tlie deatli of an only son, he 
must have depended for subsistence upon tlie 
kindness of his friends, or the charity of the 
public. ' 

To a majestic countenance and dignified man- 
ners there was added a suavity of temper, which 
toaciliated the affection of his acquaintance. — 
Some, who disapproved of his political conduct, 
loved and revered him as a neighbor and friend. 
lie could readily relax from severer cares and 
^.(udies, to enjoy the pleasures of private con- 
versation. Tjjougli somewhat reserved among 
•strangers, yet wHh his friends lie was cheerful 
and companionable : a lover of chaste wit. aiid 
remarkably fond of anecdote. He faithfully 
discharged the duties arising from the rela- 
tions of social life. His house was tie seat of 
domestic peace, regularity and metJiod. 

3!r. Adams was a christian. His mind wa< 
aarly imbued with piety, as well as cultivated 
by science. He early approached the table of 
the lyord Jesus, and the purity of his life wit- 
nessed the sincerity of his profession. On the 
Christian sabbath he constantly Avent to the 
temple, and the morning and evening devotions 
in his family, proved that his religion attended 
him in his seasons of retirement from the world. 



12 ADAMS. 

The last production of Ids pen was in favor of 
Christian truth. He died in the faith of the 
gospel. 

He was a sage and a patriot. The indepen- 
dence of the United States of America is, per- 
haps, to be attributed as much to his exertions, 
as to the exertions of any one man. Though 
he v/as called to struggle with adversity, he 
was never discouraged. He was consistent 
and firm under the cruel neglect of a friciid 
and the malignant rancour of an enemy ; com- 
forting himself in the darkest seasons with re- 
flections upon the Avisdom and goodness of God. 

His writings only exist in the perishable co- 
lumns of a newspaper or pamphlet. In his 
more advanced years, in the year 1790, a few 
letters passed between him and Mr. John A- 
dams, then vice president of the United States, 
in which the principles of government are dis- 
cussed, and there seems to have been some dif- 
ference of sentiment between those eminent pa- 
triots and statesmen, Avho liad toiled together 
through the revolution. This correspondence 
was published in 1800. An oration, which Mr. 
Adams delivered at the state-house, in Phila- 
delphia, August 1, 1776, was published. The 
object is to support American independence, 
the declaration of whicli by Congress had been 
made a short time before. He opposes kingly 
government and hereditary succession with 
warmth and energy. 

The last six years of his life he passed in 
retirement. At no time did party spirit rage 
Avith more violence ; but he could only mingle 
his voice witli the friends who visited him. — 



ALLI^\ 13 

Spiiic moi tifications every cne must meet witli. 
In public life great men are not Avithout their 
cares : in the evening of their (lavs ^vhen they 
seek for rest, every Avant of attention in their 
old acquaintance is a thorn in their pillow. — 
Many of the old friends ol* governor Adams who 
liad gone hand in hand with him during the re- 
volution now forsook him, though he yet rc- 
ccivcd the respect, attentions and carresses of 
those, Vt ho thought him not more venerable for 
age, than he was for his attachment to repub- 
lican principles. 

lie died October 2ad, 1803, in the S2nd year 
of his age, and in the full belief cf those reli- 
gious principles in which he had been educated, 
iind w liich he Vv'as free to defend ; for the last 
effort of his pen was a letter in defence of 
Christianity, against the attacks of Mr. Paine. 

ALLEN, Ethan, a brigadier general in the 
war with Great Britain, was born in Salisbury, 
Connecticut. While he was young, his parents 
emigrated to Vermont. At the commeiieemeiit 
of tiie disturbances in this territoiy, about the 
year 1770, he took a most active jjart in favor 
of the green mountain boys, as tlie settlers 
\vere then called, in opposition to the goveiii- 
-^lent of New York. An act cf outlawry against 
him was passed by that state, and 500 .guineas 
were offered for his apprehension ; but his ]rar- 
ty was too numerous and faithful to j triiiil Liiki 
to be disturbed by any apprehensions for Lis 
safety ; in all the struggles of the day he v, as 
successful ; and he not only proved a valuable 
friend to those, Avhose cause he had esjiousLd, 
but he was humane and generous towards thcs^e 

B 



li ALLEN. 

^vith \vhoin lie Latl to contcnil. AVhen called 
to take the iield, lie showed himself an ahle 
leader and an intrepid soldier. 

The news of the battle of Lexington deter- 
mined colonel Allen to engage on tlie side of 
his country, and inspired him with the desire 
of demonstrating his attachment to liberty by 
some bold exploit. While his mind was in this 
state a plan for taking Ticonderoga and Crown 
Point by surprise, which was formed by seve- 
ral gentlemen in Connecticut, was communica- 
tci\ to him, and he readily engaged in the pro- 
ject. Receiving directions from the general 
assembly of Connecticut to raise the green 
mountain boys, and conduct the enterprise, he 
collected 230 of the hardy settlers, and pro- 
ceeded to Castleton. Here he Avas unexpec- 
tedly joined by col. Arnold, who Isad been com- 
missioned by the Massachusetts' committee to 
raise 400 men and eifect the same object, which 
was now about to be accomplished. As he had 
not raised the men, he was admitted to act as 
an assistant to colonel Allen. '^rhey reached 
the lake opposite Ticonderoga on iha evening 
of the 9th of May, 1775. ' With the utmost 
difficulty boats were ijroeured, and 83 men 
AVer 8 landed near the garrison. The approach 
of day rendering it dangerous to Avait for the 
rear, it Avas determined immediately to pro- 
ceed. The commander in chief noAV addres- 
sed his men, representing that they had been for 
a number of years a scourge to arbitrary poAver, 
and famed for their valor, and concluded Avith 
saying, " I now propose to advance before you, 
and in person conduct you through the Avicket 



ALLEN. 15 

gate, tiiid you tliat >nll go v. Uli luc voliuitarily 
in tills desperate attempt, iioizeyouriireloeks," 
At the head of the centre ilie lie marched in- 
stantly to the gate, >vhero a sentry snapped his 
gun at him and retreated throngli the covered 
way ; he pressed forward into the fort, and 
formed his men on the parade in such a man- 
ner as to face two opposite harraeks. Three 
Imzzas awaked the garrison. A sentry, who 
asked quarter, pointed out the apartments of 
the commanding officer ; and Allen, with a 
drawn sword over the head of captain De la 
Place, wlio was undressed, demanded the sur- 
render of the fort. ** By what authority do 
you demand it ?" inquired the astonished com- 
mander. " I demand it," said Allen "in the 
name of the great Jehovah and of the conti- 
nental Congress." Tlie summons could not 
be disoheyed, and the fort m iih its very valua- 
ble stores and 40 prisoners was immediately 
surrendered. Crown Point was taken the same 
day* and the capture of a sloop of w ar soon af- 
terv/ards made Allen and liis hrave party com- 
plete masters of lake Champlain. 

In the fall of 1775, he was sent twice into 
Canada to observe tlic dispositions of the peo- 
ple, and attacli them, if possible, to the Ameri- 
can cause. During this last tour col. Brown 
met him, and proposed an attack on Montreal, 
in concert. The proposal Avas eagerly embra- 
ced, and col. Allen Avith 110 men, i^ar 80 of 
Avhom Avere Canadians, crossed the river in the 
night of Sept. 24. In the morning he Avaited 
Avith impatience for the signal from colonel 
BroAvn^ Avho agreed to co-operate Avith him ; 



±6 ALLEX. 

t)iit lie waited in vain. lie matle a resolute 
(lefenee ai^ainst an attack of 500 men, and it 
was not till his own party was reduced hy de- 
sertions to the number ot" 31, and lie had re- 
treated near a mile, that he surrendered. A 
moment afterwards a furious savage rushed 
towards him, and presented his firelock with 
the intent of killing him. It was only by ma- 
kin.^^ use of the body of the ofiieer, to whom 
he had given his sword, as a shield, that he 
escaped destruction. 

He was now kept for some time in irons 
and treated with great cruelty. He was sent 
to England as a prisoner, being assured that 
the halter would be the reward of his rebellion 
when he arrived there. After his arrival about 
the middle of December, he was lodged for a 
short time in Pendennis castle, near Falmouth. 
On the 8 til of Jtmimry^ 1776, he was put on 
board a frigt^te and by a circuitous route car- 
ried to Halifax. Here he remained conlined 
in the jail from June to October, when lie was 
removed to P%ew York. During the passage 
to this place, eapt. Burke, a daring prisoner^ 
proposed to kill the British captain and seize 
the frigate; Imt colonel Allen refused to en- 
ffage in the plot, and was probably the means 
of preserving tlie life of captain Smith, who 
liad treated him very politely. He was kept 
at New York, about a year and a half, some- 
times imprisoned and sometimes permitted to 
f>e on parole, "While here, he had an oppor- 
tunity to observe the inhuman manner, in 
which the American prisoners were treated. 
In one of the churches, in which they v.erc 



ALLEN. 17 

crowded, he saw seven lying dead at one time, 
and others biting pieces of chips from hunger. 
He calculated, that of the prisoners taken at 
liOng-Island and fort AVashington, near 2000 
perished by hunger and cold, or in consequence 
of diseases occasioned by the impurity of their 
prisons. 

Colonel Allen %vas exchanged for colonel 
Campbell, May G, 1778, and after havhig re- 
paired to head quarters, and offered his servi- 
ces to General Washington in case his health 
should be restored, he returned to Yermont.— 
His arrival on the evening of the last of May 
gave his frieiuls great joy, and it ^Yas announ- 
ced by the discharge of cannon. As an expres- 
sion of cojifidence in his patriotism and milita- 
ry talents he was very soon appointed to the 
command of tlic stale militia. It does not ap- 
pear lioweyer, that his intrepidity was ever a- 
gain brought to the test, thougli his patriotism 
was tried l)y an unsuceessful attempt of the 
British to bribe him to attempt a union of Ver- 
mont with Canada. He died suddenly at his 
estate in Colchester, February 13, 1789. 

General Allen possessed strong powers of 
mind, but they never felt the influence of edu- 
cation. Though he was brave, humane and 
generous ; yet, his conduct does not seem to 
Isavc been much influenced by considerations 
respecting that holy and merciful Being, whose 
character and whose commands are disclosed 
to us in the scriptures. His notions, with re- 
gard to religion, were such, as to prove, that 
those, who rather coniide in their own wisdom 
than seek instruction from heaven, may em- 



18 ALLEN. 

brace absurdities whicb would disgrace the un- 
derstanding of a child. He believed with Py- 
thagoras, that man, after death, would trans- 
migrate into beasts, birds, fishes, reptiles, he. 
and often informed his friends, that he himself 
expected to live again in the form of a large 
white horse. 

Besides a number of pamphlets in the con- 
troversy with New York, he published, in '79, 
a narrative of his observations during his cap- 
tivity, which lias been lately reprinted ,• a vin- 
dication of the opposition of the inhabitants of 
Yermont to the government of New York, and 
their right to form an independent state, 1779 ; 
and Alien's Theology or the Oracles of Rea- 
son, 1786. This last Vi^ork was intended to ri- 
dicule the doctrine of Moses and the prophets. 
ALLEN, Ebeisezee, was one of the first 
soldiers of the revolution. He was in tlie par- 
ty that went against Ticonderoga. AYith for- 
ty men he v/ent upon the hill Defiance, and 
carried the fortress without loss of a man. — 
He also distinguished himself in the battle of 
Bennington ; taking advantage of a breastwork 
of rocks, lie contended witli the front of the 
enemy, till he caused a temporary retreat. — 
He was among those who exerted themselves 
in making Vermont a separate state, and lived 
to see not only the wilderness subdued, where 
he first ploughed the ground, but the places 
filled with inliabitants. The account of his 
death is mentioned in the newspapers of the 
year 1805. 

ALLEN, Moses, minister of Midway, Geor- 
gia, and a distinguished friend of his country. 



was born in Northampton, Massachusetts^ Sept. 
li, 1748. He was educated at the college in 
New Jersey, where he was graduated in 1776, 
and was licensed by the presbytery of New 
Brunswick Feb. 1, 1774, and recommended by 
them as an ingenious, prudent, pious man. In 
March fallowing he preached first at Christ's 
church parish, about 20 miles from Charles- 
ton, in South Carolina. Here he w as ordained 
March 16, 1775, by the Rev. Mr. Zubly, Mr. 
Edmonds and William Tcnnent. He preached 
his farewell sermon in this place June 8, 1776, 
and was soon after\vards established at Mid- 
way, to which place he had been earnestly so- 
licited to remove. 

The British army from Florida under Ge- 
neral Prevost dispersed his society in 1778, and 
burned the meeting house, almost every dwel- 
ling house, and the crops of rice then in stacks. 
In December, when Savannah was reduced by 
the Britisli troops, he was taken prisoner. — 
The continental officers Avere sent to Sunbury 
on parole, but Mr. Allen, who was chaplain to 
the Georgia brigade, was denied that privilege. 
His warm exhortations from the pulpit, and 
liis animated exertions in the field exposed him 
to the particular resentment of the British. — 
They sent him on board the prison ships. Wea- 
ried with a confinement of a number of weeks 
in a loathsome place, and seeing no prospect 
of relief, he determined to attempt the reco- 
very of his liberty by throwing himself in the 
river, and swimming to an adjacent point ; but 
he was drowned in the attempt on the evening 
of February 8, 1779, in the 31st year of his 



20 ALLEN. 

age. His body was washed on a neighboring 
island, and was found by some of his friends. 
They requested of the captain of a British 
vessel some boards to make a coffin, but could 
not procure them. 

Mr. Allen, notwithstanding his clerical func- 
tion, appeared among the foremost in the day 
of battle, and on all occasions sought the post 
of danger as the post of honor. The friends 
of independence admired him for his popular 
talents, his courage, and his many virtTOs. — 
The enemies of independence could accuse him 
of nothing more, Ihaa a vigorous exertion of 
all his powers in defending what he eouscien- 
tiously believed to be tiie rights of his injured 
country. 

Tiiough a brave imm. he was also a chi'is- 
tian. The following letter, addressed to the 
trustees of Midway in 1777, will somewhat ex- 
liibit his character : '* You have the enemy on 
your borders ; you are in more imminent dan- 
ger, and therefore stand in greater need of the 
preached word to comfort God's chosen people 
and to awaken sinners from their state of se- 
curity. I shall not leave this people [of Christ's 
church parish] in so distressed a situation as 
you appear to me to be in. They can have 
frequent occasional supplies, and there is a 
prospect of their being soon supplied with a 
settled minister. Mr. Tennent's being at the 
northward and IMr. Zubly at so great a dis- 
tance, I am rather unhappy in not having ad- 
visers in so important a matter. But the con- 
siderations now offered have engaged me to ac- 
cept of your call, I shall endeavour to be ^\ itli 



ALEXANOEK. 21 

r.ou the fourth Sunday in June. I heg your 
prayers for myself and family, that vie may al- 
ways know our duty, and industriously perform 
U, May God bless you and your constituents. 
May Christ redeem and save you. May the 
Holy Spirit sanctify and comfort you ; and may 
all at last meet at the right hand of our dear 
Redeemer, spotless and unhlameahle in the 
righteousness of Christ." 

ALEXANDER, William, commonly called 
Lord Sterling, a major general in the American 
army, Avas a native of the city of New York, 
but spent a considerable part of his life in New 
Jersey. He was considered by many as the 
rightful heir to the title and estate of an earl- 
dom in Scotland, of which country his father 
was a native; and although, when he went to 
North Britain in pursuit of this inheritance, he 
failed of obtaining an acknowledgment of his 
claim by government; yet, among his friends 
and acquaintances ho received by courtesy the 
title of lord Sterling. He discovered an early 
fondness for the study of mathematics and 
astronomy, and attained great eminence in 
these sciences. 

In the battle on Long-Island, August 27, 
1776, he was taken prisoner, after having se- 
cured to a large part of the detacliment an 
opportunity to escape by a bold attack with 
four hundred men upon a corps under lord 
Cornwallis. In the battle of Germantown his 
division and the brigades of Generals Nash and 
Maxwell formed the corps de reserve. At the 
battle of Monmouth he commanded the left 
jving of the American Army. IMarshall in his 



'2^ ARNOLD. 

life of Washington says, '< Lord Steriiii!^-, ^vlio 
commanded the left wing, brought up a de- 
tachment of artillery commanded by lieutenant 
colonel Carrington, with some field jneces, 
which played with considerable effect upon the 
enemy, who had passed the morass, and were 
pressing on to the charge. These pieces, with 
the aid of several parties of infantry detached 
for the purpose, effectually put a stop to their 
advance. The American artillery were drawn 
up in the open field, and maintained their 
ground with admirable firmness, under a hea- 
vy and persevering fire from the British field 
artillery." His attachment to Washington 
was proved in the latter part of 1777, by trans- 
mitting to him an account of the disaffection 
of Gen. Conway to the commander in chief. — 
In the letter he said, •* Such wicked duplicity 
of conduct I shall always thinlv it my duty to 
detect." 

He died at Albany. January 15, 1783, aged 
57 years. He was a brave, discerning, and in- 
trepid officer. 

ARNOLD, Benedict, a major general in 
the American army, and infamous for deserting 
the cause of his country, was early chosen cap- 
tain of a volunteer company in New Haven, 
Connecticut, where he lived. After hearing of 
the battle of Lexington he immediately march- 
ed with his company for the American head- 
quarters, and reached Cambridge April 29, 
1775. 

He immediately waited on the Massachu- 
setts committee of safety and informed them 
of the defenceless state of Ticondcroga. The 



ARNOLD. 2a 

coirimittce appointed him a colonel, and com- 
missioned him to raise four hundred men, and 
to take that fortress. He proceeded directly 
to Vermont, and when he arrived at Castleton 
was attended hy one servant only. Here he 
joined colonel Allen, and on May 10th the for- 
tress was taken. 

In the fall of 1775 he was sent hy the com- 
mander in chief to penetrate throiigli the wil- 
derness of the district of Maine into Canada. 
On the 16th of Scpteml)er he commenced his 
march with about one thousand men, consisting 
of New England infantry, some volunteers, a 
company of artillery, and three companies of 
riflemen. One division v,as obliged to return, 
or it would have perished by luingcr. After 
sustaining almost incredible hardships he in six 
weeks arrived at Point Le^i, opposite to Que- 
bec. The appearance of an army, emerging 
from the Aviklerness, threw the city into the 
greatest cojisternation. In this moment of sur- 
prise Arnold might probably have become nias- 
tcr of the })]ace, but the small crafts and boats 
in the river were removed out of his reach. 

It seems tbat liis approach was not altoge- 
ther unexpected. He had imprudently, a ruim- 
ber of days before, sent forward a letter to a 
friend by an Indian, who betrayed Jiim. A de- 
lay of several days on account of the dilficulty 
of passing the river was inevitable, and the 
critical moment was lost. 

On the 14th of November he crossed the St. 
Lawrence in the night ; and, ascending the 
precipice, which Wolfe had climbed before him, 
formed his small corps on the height near the 



24 ARNOLD. 

memorable j»lains cf ALraLarn. With ouly 
about seven hundred men, one third of Avhose 
muskets had been rendered useless in the march 
througli the ^vilderncss, success could not be 
expected. After parading some days on tlic 
lieightsnear the town, and sending tvro flags to 
summon the inhabitants, he retired to Voint 
aux Trembles, twenty miles above Quebec, and 
there waited the arrival cf Montgomery, vho 
joined him on the first of December. Tiie ci- 
ty was immediately besieged, but the best mea- 
sures had been taken for its defence. On the 
morning of the last day of the year an assault 
v>'as made on the one side of the city by Montgo- 
mery, Avho was killed. At the same time col- 
onel Arnold, at the head of p.bout three hun- 
dred and fifty men, made a desperate attack on 
the opposite side. Advancing with the utmost 
intrepidity along the St. Charles through a 
narrow path, exposed to an incessant fire cf 
p;vapc shot and r^uisketry, as he approached 
the first barrier he received a musket ball in 
the leg, which shattered the bone ; and he was 
carried off to the camp. Thougli the attack 
v^as unsuccessful, the blockade of Quebec was 
continued till ^Jay 1776, when the army, 
which was in no condition to risk an as- 
sault, vras removed to a more defensible posi- 
tion. Arnold was compelled to relinquish one 
post after another, till the 18th of June, when 
lie quitted Canada. After this period he exhi- 
bited great bravery in the command of the A- 
merican fleet on lake Champlain. 

In August 1777 he relieved fort Schuyler un- 
der tlic command of colonel Gansevoort, which 



ARNOLD. 25 

was invested by colonel St. Leger with an ar- 
my of from fifteen to eighteen hundred men. — 
In tlie battle near Stillwater, September the 
nineteenth, he conducted himself with his usual 
intrepidity, being engaged, incessantly, for 
four hours. In the aetion of October the se- 
venth, after tlie British had been driven into 
the lines, Arnold i)ressed forward and under a, 
tremendous fire assaulted the works through- 
out their whole extent from right to left. The 
intrenchnients were at length forced, and with 
a few men he actually entered tiic works ; hut 
his horse being killed, and he himself badJy 
-wounded in the leg, he found it necessary to 
withdraw, and as it was now almost dark, to 
desist from the attack. 

Being rendered unfit for active service iu 
consequence of his wound', after the recovery 
of PJiiladelphia he was appointed to the com- 
mand of the American garrison. When lie en- 
tered the city, he made the house of governor 
X'cnn, the best house in the city, his licad quar- 
ters. This he furnished in a very costly man- 
ner, and lived far beyond his income. He had 
wasted the plunder, which he had seized at 
Montreal in his retreat from Canada ; and at 
Philadelphia he was deteimined to make new 
acquisitions. He laid his hands on every thing 
in the city, which could be considered as the 
property of those, who were unfriendly to the 
cause of his country. He was charged with 
oppression, extortion, and enormous cliarges 
upon the public in his accounts, and with ap- 
jdying the public money and property to his 
own private use. Such was his conduct, that 

€ 



30 ARNOJLl). 

lie di'oM upon liiniscirihe odium of tlic iiihalii- 
laiits not onl,v ol* the niiy, but ol* tlie province 
in general, lie >vas engaged in trading specu- 
lations and had shares in several privateers^ 
but >vas unsuccessrul. 

From the judgment oi' the commissioners, 
■\vho had been appointed to inspect his accounts, 
and Avho had rejected above hall' the amount 
of his demands, he appealed to congress ; and 
the;y' appointed a committee ol* their own body 
to examine and settle the business. The com- 
mittee conlirmed the report ol* the commission- 
ers, and thought they had alIo\ved him more, 
than he had any right to expect or demand. — 
Xl\ these disappointments he became irritated 
and he gave luli scope to his resentment. His 
invectives against congress >vere not less vio- 
lent, than tliose, which he had before thrown 
out against the commissioners, lie was, how- 
ever, soon obliged to abide the judgment of 
a court martial upon the charges, exhibited a- 
gainst him by the executive ■ f IVnnsylvania, 
and he was subjected to the mortillcation of re- 
ceiving a reprimand from AVashington. His 
trial connnenced in June IT 78, but such were 
the delays occasioned by the movements of the 
army, that it was not concluded nntil the i^6th 
of January 1779. The sentence of a repri- 
mand » as a])proved by congress, and was soon 
afterwards cai'ried into execution. 

Such was the humiliation, to which general 
Arnold was reduced in consequence of yielding 
to the temptations of pritle and vanity, and in- 
dulging himself in the pleasures of a sumptu- 
ous table and expensive equipage. 



ARNOLD. 27 

From this time probably liis proud spirited 
revolted from the cause ot America, lie iurn- 
<h1 liis eyes to West Point as an acquisition, 
which would give value to treason, while its 
loss w ould inflict a mortal wound on his ibrnier 
iriends. He addressed himself to the delega- 
tion of New York, in which state his reputa- 
tion was peculiarly high, and a member of con- 
gress from this state recommended him to 
Washington for the service, which he desired. 
But this request could not be immediately com- 
plied with. The same application to the com- 
mander in chief was made not long afterwards 
through general Bchuylcr. Washington ob- 
served, that as there was a prospect of an ac- 
tive campaign he should be gratiiied with the 
aid of general Arnold in the iiehl, but intimat- 
ed at the same time, that he s4iould receive 
the appointment requested, if it should be 
more pleasing to him. 

Arnold without discovering much solicitude 
repaired to camp in the beginning of August, 
and renewed in person the solicitations, which 
liad been before indirectly made. He was now 
otfered the command of the left wing of the 
army, Avhich was advancing against New York, 
but he declined it under the pretext, that in 
consequence of his wounds, he was unable to 
perform the active duties of the iield. AVith- 
out a suspicion of his patriotism he was invest- 
ed with the command of W est Point. Previ- 
ously to his soliciting this station, he had in a 
letter to colonel Robinson signified his change 
of principles and his wish to restore himself 
to the favor of his prince, by some signal proof 



%s ARNOJLD. 

of his repentance. This letter opened to Jiiift 
a correspondence with sir Henry Clinton, tlie 
object of which was to concert the means of 
putting the important post, which he command- 
ed, into the possession of the British general. 

His plan, it is believed, was to have drawn 
t]ie greater part of his army without the works 
under the pretext of fighting the enemy in the 
defiles, and to have left unguarded a designa- 
ted pass, through which the assailants might 
securely approach and surprise the fortress. — » 
His troops he intended to place, so that they 
would be compelled to surrender, or be cut in 
pieces. But just as his scheme was ripe for 
execution, the wise Disposer of events, who so 
often and so remarkably interposed in favor of 
the American cause, blasted his designs. 

Major Andre, adjutant general of the Bri- 
tish army, was selected as the person, to whom 
the maturing of Arnold's treason and the ar- 
rangements for its execution should be com- 
mitted. A correspondence was for some time 
carried on between them under a mercantile 
disguise and the feigned names of Gustavus 
and Anderson ; and at length to facilitate 
their communications, the Yulture sloop of war 
moved up the North river and took a station 
convenient for the purpose, but not so near as 
to excite suspicion. An interview was agreed 
on, and in the night of September the twenty 
first 1780, he was taken in a boat, which was 
dispatched for the purpose, and carried to the 
beach without the posts of both armies under 
a pass for John Anderson. He met general 
Arnold at the house of a Mr. Smith. While 



ARNOLD. 29 

the conference was yet imiinislied, day light ap- 
proached ; and to avoid the danger of disco- 
very, it was iiroposed, that he should remain 
concealed till the succeeding night. He is un- 
derstood to have refused to he carried within 
the American posts, but the promise made him 
hy Arnold to respect this objection was not ob- 
served. He was carried within them contrary 
to his wishes and against his knowledge. He 
continued with Arnold the succeeding day, and 
when on the following night he proposed to re- 
turn to the Yulture, the boatmen refused to 
carry him, because she had, during the day, 
shifted her station in consequence of a gun 
having been moved to the shore and brought 
to bear upon her. This embarrassing circum- 
stance reduced him to the necessity of endea- 
vouring to reach New York by land. Yield- 
ing with reluctance to the urgent representa- 
tions of Arnold, he laid aside his regimentals, 
which he had hitherto worn under a surtout, 
and put on a plain suit of clothes ; and receiv- 
ing a pass from the American general, author- 
izing him, under the feigned name of John 
Anderson, to proceed on the public service to 
the White Plains, or lower, if he thought pro- 
per, lie set out on his return. He had passed 
all the guards and posts on the road without 
suspicion, and was proceeding to New York in 
perfect security, when, on tlie twenty third of 
September, one of the three militia men, who 
were employed with others in scouting parties 
between the lines of the two armies, springing 
sudtlenly from his covert into the road, seized 
the reins of his bridle and stopped his horse, 
C 2 



$9 AllNOLD. 

Instead of producing his pass, Andre, with ?i 
^vant of self possession, which can he attrihu- 
ted only to a kind providence, asked tlie man 
hastily, where he belonged;, and being ansAver- 
ed, " to below," replied immediately, ^< and so 
d© I." He then declared himself to be a Bri- 
tish oiFieer, on urgent business, and begged 
that he might not be detained. The other two 
militia men coming up at this mom.ent, he dis- 
covered his mistake; but it was too late to 
repair it. He offered a purse of gold and a 
valuable watch, to which he added the most 
tempting promises of ample reward and per- 
manent provision from the government, if they 
would permit him to escape ; but his offers 
were rejected without hesitation. 

The militia men, whose names were John 
Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Vanwert, 
proceeded to search him. They found con- 
cealed in his boots exact returns, in Arnold's 
hand writing, of the state of the forces, ord- 
nance, and defences at West Point and its de- 
pendencies, critical remarks on the works, and 
an estimate of the men ordinarily employed in 
them, with other interesting papers. Andre 
was carried before lieutenant colonel Jameson, 
the officer commanding the scouting parties on 
the lines, and, regardless of himself and only 
anxious for the safety of Arnold, he still main- 
tained the character, which he had assumed, 
and requested Jameson to inform his com- 
manding officer, that Anderson was taken. — 
An express was accordingly dispatched, and 
the traitor, thus becoming acquainted with 
his danger, escaped. 



ARNOLD. [ 5t 

Major Andre, after his detection, was per- 
mitted to send a message to Arnold to gi\e 
him notice of his danger ,* and the traitor found 
opportunity to escape on board the Vulture, on 
the 25th of September, 1780, a few hours be- 
fore the return of Washington, who had been 
absent on a journey to Hartford, Connecticut. 
It is supposed however, that he would not liave 
escaped, had not an express to the commander 
in chief, with an account of the capture of An- 
dre, missed him by taking a different road from 
the one, which he travelled. 

Arnold on the very day of his escape wrote 
a letter to Washington, declaring that tlie love 
of his coimtry had gorerned him in his late 
conduct, and requesting him to protect Mrs. 
Arnold. She >vas conveyed to her husband at 
New York,, and his clothes and baggage, for 
which he had written, were transmitted to him. 
During the exertions, which were made to res- 
cue Andre from the destruction, which threa- 
tened liim, Arnold had the hardihood to inter- 
pose» He appealed to the humanity of the 
commander in chief, and then sought to inti- 
midate him by stating the situation of many of 
the principal characters of South Carolina, who 
had forfeited their lives, but had hitherto been 
spared through the clemency of the British 
general. This clemency, he said, could no 
longer in justice be extended to them, should 
major Andre suffer. 

Arnold was made a brigadier general in the 
British service ; which rank he preserved 
throughout tlie war. Yet he must have been 
held in contempt and detestation by the gene- 



g2 ARNOLB. 

rous and honorable. It was impossible for men 
of this description, even Avhen acting with him, 
to forget that he was a traitor, first the slave 
of his rage, then purchased with gold, and fi- 
nally secured by the blood of one of the most 
accomplished officers in the British army. — 
One would suppose, that his mind could not 
have been much at ease ; but he had proceed- 
ed so far in vice, that perhaps his reflections 
gave him but little trouble. " I am mistaken,*' 
says Washington in a private letter, " if at this 
time Arnold is undergoing the torments of a 
mental hell. He wants feeling. From some 
traits of his character, which have lately come 
to my knowledge, he seems to have been so 
hacknied in crime, so lost to all sense of honor 
and shame, that while his faculties still enable 
him to continue his sordid pursuits, there will 
be no time for remorse." 

Arnold found it necessary to make some ex- 
ertions to secure the attachment of his new 
friends. With the hope of alluring many of 
the discontented to his standard, he published 
an address to the inliabitants of America, in 
which he endeavoured to justify his conduct. — 
He had encountered the dangers of the field, 
he said from apprehension, that tlie rights ot 
his country were in danger. He had acquiesc- 
ed in the declaration of independence, thougli 
he thought it precipitate. But tlie rejection 
of the overtures, made by Great Britain in 
1778, and tlie French alliance, had opened his 
eyes to the ambitious views of those, who would 
sacrifice the happiness of their country to their 
own aggrandizement, and had made him a con- 



ARNOLD. 3^ 

iirmed loyalist. He artfully mingled asser- 
tions, that the principal members of congress 
held the people in sovereign contempt. 

This was followed in about a fortnight by a 
proclamation, addressed " to the officers and 
soldiers of the continental army, who have the 
real interest of their country at heart, and who 
are determined to be no longer the tools and 
dupes of congress or of France." To induce 
the American officers and soldiers to desert 
the cause, whicli tliey had embraced, he repre- 
sented that the corps of cavalry and infantry, 
which he was authorized to raise, would be 
upon the same footing with the other troops in 
the British service ; that he should with plea- 
sure advance those, whose valor he had witnes- 
sed ; and that the private men, who joined him 
should receive a bounty of three guineas each, 
besides payment at the full value for horses, 
arms, and accoutrements. His object was the 
peace, liberty, and safety of America. <* You 
are promised liberty,'^ he exclaims, ^^but is 
there an individual in the enjoyment of it sav- 
ing your oppressors ? Who among you dare 
speak or write what he thinks against the ty- 
ranny, which has robbed you of your property, 
imprisons your persons, drags you to the field 
of battle, and is daily deluging your country 
with your blood ? <« What,'' he exclaims a- 
gain, " is America noAV but a land of widows, 
orphans and beggars ? As to you, avIio have 
been soldiers in the continental army, can you 
at this day want evidence, that the funds of 
your country are exhausted, or tliat the man- 
agers have applied them to their private uses ? 



54 ARNOLD. 

In either ease you surely can no longer conti- 
nue in their service with honor or advantage. 
Yet you have hitherto heen tlieir supporters in 
that cruelty, which with equal indifference to 
yours as well as to the labor and blood of 
others, is devouring a country, that from the 
moment you quit their colors will be redeem- 
ed from their tyranny." 

These proclamations did not produce the ef- 
fect designed, and in all the hardships, suffer- 
ings and irritations of the war, Arnold remains 
the solitary instance of an American officer, 
who abandoned the side iirst embraced in the 
contest, and turned his sword upon his former 
companions in arms. 

He was soon dispatched by sir Henry Clin- 
ton to make a diversion in Virginia. With 
about seventeen hundred men he arrived in the 
Chesapeake in January 1781, and being sup- 
ported by such a naval force, as was suited to 
the nature of the service, he committed exten- 
sive ravages on the rivers and along the un- 
protected coasts. It is said, that while on this 
expedition Arnold enquired of an American 
captain, whom he Isad taken prisoner, what 
the Americans would do with him, if he should 
fall into their hands. The captain at first de- 
clined giving him an ansAver ; but upon being 
repeatedly urged to it, he said, ** why, sir, if 
** I must answer your question, you nmst ex- 
^^ cuse my telling yon the plain truth : if my 
•^ countrymen should catch you, I believe theij 
^' would prst cut off ihat lame leg, which was 
" wounded in the cause of freedom and rirtue^ 
" and hurij it with the honors of war, and af- 



ARNOLD. 35 

" ievwards hang the remainder of your hody in 
« gibbets/' The reader will recollect that the 
captain alluded to the wound Arnold received 
in one of his legs at the attack upon Quebec 
in 1776. 

After his return from Virginia, he Avas ap- 
pointed to conduct an expedition, the object of 
V hich was the tow n of New London, in his na- 
tive country. The troops employed therein, 
w ere landed in two detachments, one on each 
side of tlic harbor. The one commanded by 
lieutenant colonel Eyre and the other by Ar- 
nold. He took Fort Trumbull without much 
opposition. Fort Griswold was furiously at- 
tacked by lieutenant colonel Eyre. The gar- 
rison defended themselves with great resolu- 
tion, but after a severe conflict of forty mi- 
nutes, the fort was carried by the enemy. The 
Americans had not more than six or seven 
men killed, when the British carried the lines, 
but a severe execution took jdace afterwards, 
though resistance had ceased. An officer of 
the conquering troops enquired on his entering 
the fort, who commanded. Colonel Ledyard, 
presenting his sword, answered, " I did, but 
you do now ;" and was immediately run 
through the body and killed. Between 30 and 
40 were wounded and about 40 were carried 
off prisoners. On the part of the British 48 
were killed and 145 wounded. About 15 ves- 
sels loaded with the effects of the inhabitants, 
retreated up the river, and four others remain- 
ed in the harbor unhurt ; but all excepting 
these were burned by the communication of 
ftre from the burning stores. Sixty dwelling 



56 BAKRY. 

houses and eiglity four stores were reduced to 
ashes. The loss which the Americans sustain- 
ed by the destruction of naval stores, of provi- 
Bions, and merchandize, was immense. Gene- 
ral Arnold having completed the object of the 
expedition, returned in eight days to New York. 
From the conclusion of the war till his death 
general Arnold resided chiefly in England. — 
He died in Gloucester place, London, June 14, 
1801. His character presents little to be com- 
mended. His daring courage may indeed ex- 
cite admiration ; but it was a courage without 
reflection and without principle. lie fought 
bravely for his country and lie bled in her 
cause ; but his country owed him no returns 
of gratitude, for his subsequent conduct prov- 
ed, that he had no honest regard to her inter- 
ests, but was governed b^^ selfih considerations. 
His progress from self indulgence to treason 
was easy and rapid. He was vain and luxu- 
rious, and to gratify his giddy desires he must 
resort to meanness, dishonesty, and extortion. 
These vices brought with them disgrace ; and 
the contempt, into which he fell, awakened a 
spirit of revenge, and left him to the unre- 
strained influence of his cupidity and passion. 
Thus from the high fame, to which his brave- 
ry had elevated him, he descended into infamy. 
Thus too he furnished new evidence of the in- 
fatuation of the human mind in attaching such 
value to the reputation of a soldier, which may 
be obtained while the heart is unsound and 
every moral sentiment is entirely depraved. 

BARRY, John, first commodore in the 
American navy, died at Philadelphia in Septem- 



bdi' ISO:'. He espoused mth ardor tlie cause 
of liberty early in ITToj ami >vith boldness of 
enterprise supported the interests of his eoiin- 
try during the ^var. He was a patriot of in- 
tegrity and unquestionable bravery. His na- 
val achievements a few years before his deatli 
reflect honor on his memory. The carnage of 
war did not harden his heart into cruelty. He 
had the art of commanding without supercili- 
ous haughtiness, or wanton severity. Another 
trait in his character was a punctilious obser- 
vance of the duties of religion. 

BAYAllD, John, a friend to his country, 
and an eminent christian, was born August 11, 
1738, on Bohemia manor in Cecil county, Ma- 
ryland. His father died without a will, and 
being the eldest son he became entitled, by 
the laws of Maryland, to the whole real estate. 
Sucli however was his affection for his twin 
brother, younger than himself, that no sooner 
had he reached the age of manhood, than lie 
conveyed to him half tlie estate. After re- 
ceiving an academical education under the re- 
verend Dr. Finley, he was put into the compt- 
ing house of Mr. John llhea, a merchant of 
Philadelphia. It was here, tliat the seeds of 
grace began first to take root, and to give 
promise of those fruits of righteousness, which 
afterwards abounded. He early became a com- 
municant of the presbyterian church under the 
charge of Mr. Gilbert Tennent. Some years 
after his marriage he was chosen a ruling el- 
der, and he filled this place with zeal and re- 
putation. 



SS BARTLETT, 

At the commencement of the rcvolutionarv 
Tvai' lie took a decided part in favor of lii^ 
country. At tiie head of the second battalion 
of the Philadelphia militia he marched to tlie 
assistance of "Washington and was present at 
tlie battle of Trenton. lie was a member of 
the council of safety, and for many years 
speaker of the legislature. In ir? r, when there 
was a report that colonel Bayard's house had 
been destroyed by the British army, and that 
his servant, who had beeii entrusted with his 
personal property, had gone off with it to tlie 
enemy, Mr. William Bell, who had served his 
apprenticeship with colonel Bayard, and accu- 
mulated several thousand pounds, insisted that 
liis patron should receive one half of his estate. 
This generous ofter was not accepted, as the 
report was without foundation. Reiterated 
fiMictions induced a deep depression of mind, 
and for some time he was no longer relieved 
by the avocations of business. In 1785 how- 
ever he was appointed a member of the old 
congress, then sitting in New York, but in the 
following year he was left out of the delega- 
tion. In 1788 he removed to New Brunswick, 
Avhere he was mayor of the city, judge of the 
court of common pleas, and a ruling elder of 
ihe church. Here he died January 7, 1807, in 
the 69th year of his age. 

BARTLETT, Josiah, governor of New 
Hampshire, was born at Amesbury, in the 
county of Essex, Massachusetts, 21st Novem- 
ber 1729. His ancestors, came from the south 
of England, and fixed at Newbury. The ru-- 
diments of his educaticm he received at- Ames- 



burj, at the town school ; and having a thirst 
for knowledge he applied himself to hooks in 
various languages, in which he was assisted 
by a neighboring clergyman, the reverend Mr, 
Webster, of Salisbury, an excellent scholar as 
well as judicious divine. Mr. Bartlett had the 
benefit of his library and conversation, while he 
studied physic with a gentleman, who was u 
practitioner in his native town. At the age of 
21, he began the praeiico of physic in Kings- 
ton, and very soon became very eminent in the 
line of his profession. In lT6i, a litW was 
opened for the useful display of his skill. TLv- 
cynanche maligna became very prevalent in ma- 
ny towns of New Hampshire, and was a fatal 
disease among children. The method of treat- 
ing it was as a highly philogistic complaint : 
but he was lead froai his own reason and obser- 
vations to manage it differently. He made use 
of the Fcr avian harl:, hs an antidote and pre- 
ventative, and his practice was successful. 
This afterwards become general among phy- 
sicians. 

In 1765, Br. Bartlett was chosen a member 
.<sf the legislature, and from this time was an- 
nually elected till the revolution. He soon 
after was made a justice of the peace. In 
1770, he was appointed lieutenant colonel of 
the 7th regiment of militia. These commis- 
•sions lip was deprived of in 1774, on account 
of the active part he took in the controversy 
with Great Britain. This was a time when 
*< the clashing of parties excited strong pas- 
sions, which frequently gained the mastery of 
i'cason." The governor and council of New 



Hampshire saw lit to dissolve the house of as.- 
seniblj, supposing that a new one might be* 
come more flexible, or be more subservient to 
their wishes. In the mean while, colonel Bart- 
iett, with several others planned a kind of aiu- 
thority which Avas called a committee of safe- 
ty. They met at Exeter, and in the course of 
events, were obliged to take upon themselves 
the whole executive government of the state. 
When a provincial congress had again organis- 
ed the governnifKC, colonel Bartlctt received a 
ijcw apix»intment as justice of the peace, and 
colonel of the 7th regiment. 

He was one of the first members who were 
chosen to represent the state in congress. Colo- 
nel Bartlett was prevented from accepting this 
honorable trust by the unhappy condition of his 
domestic aifairs ; his house liaving been burnt, 
his family were obliged to seek a shelter with- 
out any thing but the clothes thoy had upon 
them. He was elected member of the second 
congress which assembled at Philadelphia the 
next year, and also attended his duty in the 
same station, 1776. He was the first that sign- 
ed the declaration of independence after the 
president. 

In 1777, colonel Bartlett and general Peabo- 
dy were appointed agents to provide medical 
aid and other necessaries for the New Hamp- 
shire troops, who went with general Sta^k, and 
for this purpose repaired to Bennington, a spot 
distinguished by a battle very important in its 
consequences. In April, 1778, he again went 
as a delegate to congress with Jolm Went worth, 
Esq. of Dover — -He returned in November^ and 



BARTLETT. 41 

Avould no longer appear as a candidate for that 
office. 

When tlic state of New Hampshire was or- 
ganized, iindcr a popular government, colonei 
Bartlett v. as appointed judge of the common 
pleas; in June, 1782, a judge of the supreme 
court; in 1788, chief justice. 

In June, 1790, he was elected president of 
the state, which oiRee he held till the Consti- 
tution abrogated the olSce of president, and sub- 
stituted the title of the chief magistrate, gover- 
nor. He was then chosen the iirst governor of 
New Hampshire since the revolution. He re- 
tjigned the chair in 1794, on account of his in- 
firm state of health, and then retired from pub- 
lic business. 

He had been the chief agent in forming the 
liicdieal society of New Hampshire, which was 
incorporated in 1791, of which he was presi- 
dent, till his public labors ceased, and when he 
resigned, he received a warm acknowledge- 
ment of his services and patronage, in a letter 
of thanks which is upon the records of the so- 
ciety. He was always a patron of learing and 
a friend to learned men. Without the advan- 
tages of a eollege education he was an < x^su- 
ple to stimulate those who have been blessed 
M'ith every advantage in early life, but cannot 
exhibit such improvement of their talents, or 
such exertions in the cause of literature. It 
was his opinion that republics cannot exist with- 
out knowledge and virtue in the people. 

He received an honorary degree of doctor of 
medicine from Dartmouth University, and was 



J) 



42 Hi ODLE. 

an hoaoraiy member of tlie Agricultural So- 
ciety. 

Governor Bartlett did not live lon^sj after he 
resigned Iiis pubiie craidoyments. His health 
had been declining a number of years. He died 
suddenly, May, 1795. 

BIDDLE, NiCHOiiAs, captain in the Ameri- 
©an navy, was born in the city of Philadelphia, 
in the year 1750. Among the brave men, who 
perished in the glorious struggle for the inde- 
pendence of America, captain Biddle holds a 
distinguished rank. His services, and the high 
expectations raised by his military genius and 
gallantry, have left a strong impression of his 
merit, and a profound regret that his early fate 
should have disappointed so soon the hopes of 
his country. 

Very early in life he manifested a partiality 
for the sea, and before the age of fourteen he 
had a made a voyage to Quebec. In the fol- 
lowing year, 1765, he sailed from Philadelphia 
to Jamaica, and the Bay of Honduras. The 
vessel left the Bay in the latter end of Decem- 
ber, 1765, bound to Antigua, and on the second 
day of January, in a heavy gale of wind, she was 
cast away on a shoal, called the Northern Tri- 
angles. After remaining two nights and a day 
upon the wreck, the crew took to their yawl, 
the long-boat having been lost, and with great 
difficulty and hazard landed on one of the small 
uninhabited islands, about three leagues distant 
from the reef, upon which they struck. Here 
they staid a few days. Some provisions were 
procured from the wreck, and their boat was 
refitted. As it was too small to carry them all 



BIBDLE. 43 

off; tliey drew lots to determine avIio should re- 
main, and young Biddle was among the number. 
He, and his three companions, suiFered extreme 
hardships, for want of provisions and good wa- 
ter, and although various efforts were made for 
tjieir relief, it was nearly two months before 
they succeeded. 

Such a scene of dangers and sufferings, in the 
commencement of his career, would have dis- 
couraged a youth of ordinary enterprise and 
perseverance. On him it produced no such ef- 
fect. The coolness and promptitude with which 
he acted, in the midst of perils that alarmed 
the oldest seamen, gave a sure presage of the 
force of his character, and after he had return- 
ed home, he made several European voyages, 
in Avhich he acquired a thorough knowledge of 
seamanship. 

In the year 1770, when a war between Great 
Britain and Spain was expected, in consequence 
of the dispute relative to Falkland's Island, he 
went to London, in order to enter into the Bri- 
tish navy. He took with him letters of recom- 
mendation from Thomas Willing, Esquire, to 
his brother-in-law captain Sterling, on board 
of whose ship he served for some time as a 
midshipman. The dispute with Spain being 
accommodated, he intended to leave the navy, 
but was persuaded by captain Sterling to re- 
main in the service, promising that lie would 
use all his interest to get him promoted. His 
ardent mind, however, could not rest satisfied 
with the inactivity of his situation, which he 
was impatient to change for one more suited to 
his disposition. 



4db BIDDLE. 

Ill the year 1773 a voyage of discovery Avas 
undertaken, at the request of tlie Royal Socie- 
ty, in order to ascertain how far navigation was 
practicable towards the North Pole, to advance 
the discovery of a north >vest passage into the 
south seas, and to make such astronomical olj,- 
servations as might prove serviceable to navi- 
gation. 

Two vessels, the Race Horse and Carcase, 
were fitted out for the expedition, the com- 
mand of which was given to the honorable cap- 
tain Phipps, afterwards lord Mulgravc. The 
peculiar dangers to which such an undertaking 
was exposed, induced the government to take 
extraordinary precautions in fitting out, and 
preparing the vessels, and selecting the crews, 
and a positive order was issued that no boys 
should be received on board. 

To the bold and enterprising spirit of young 
Biddle such an expedition liad great attractions. 
Extremely anxious to join it, he endeavored to 
procure captain Sterling's permission for that 
purpose, but he was unwilling to part with hini> 
and would not consent to let liiin go. The 
temptation was, however, irresistible. lie re- 
solved to go, and laying aside his uniform, he 
entered on board the Ciircase before the inast. 
"When he first went on board, Jie was observed 
by a seaman who had known him before and was 
very much attached to him. The honest fellow 
thinking that he must have been degraded and 
turned before the mast in disgrace, was greatly 
affected at seeing him, but he was equally sur- 
prised and pleased when he learned the true 
<eause of the young officer's disguise, and he 



BIBBLE. t5 

kept his secret as he was requested to do. 
Impelled by the same spirit, youDg Horatio, 
afterwards lord Nelson, had solicited and ob- 
tained permission to enter on board the same 
vessel. These youthful adventurers are both 
said to have been appointed cockswains, a sta- 
tion always assigned to the most active and 
trusty seamen. The particulars of this expe- 
dition are well known to the public. These 
intrepid navigators peu©trftted as far as the 
latitude of eighty-one degrees and thirty-nine 
minutes, and they Avere at one time enclosed 
with mountains of ice, and their vessels ren- 
dered almost immoveable for five days, at the 
hazard of instant destruction. Captain Biddle 
kept a journal of his voyage, which was after- 
wards lost with him. 

The corameneement of the revolution gave 
a new turn to his pursuits, and he repaired, 
without delay, to the standard of his country. 
When a rupture between England and Ameri- 
ca appeared inevitable, he returned to Phila- 
delphia, and soon after liis arrival, he was ap- 
pointed to the command of the Camden galley, 
fitted for the defence of the Belaware. He 
found this too inactive a service, and when the 
fleet was preparing, undfer commodore Hop- 
kins, for an expedition against New Provi- 
dence, he Hpplifd for a command in the fleet, 
and Avas immediately appointed commander of 
the Andrew Boria, a brig of fourteen guns and 
a hundred and thirty men. Paul Jones, who Avas 
then a lieutenant, and was going on the expe- 
dition, Avas distinguished by captain Bicklle, and 
Introduced to his friends as an oillcer of merit. 



*6 BIDDLE. 

Before he sailed from the Capes of l>ela- 
yvave, an incident oeeurred, which marked his 
personal intrepidity. Hearing that two deser- 
ters from his vessel were at Lewistown in pri- 
son, an officer was sent on shore for them, hut 
he returned with information tliat the two men., 
with some others, had armed themselves, har- 
ricadoed the door, and swore they would not 
he taken, tliat the militia of the town had been 
sent for, but were afraid to open the door, the 
prisoners threatening to shoot the first man 
who entered. Captain Biddie immediately w ent 
to the prison, accompanied by a midshipmafjj 
and calling to one of the deserters whose name* 
was Green, a stout resolute fellow, ordered 
him to open the door, he replied that he would 
not, and if he attempted to enter, he would 
shoot liim. lie then ordered the door to be 
forced, and entering singly with a ]ugtol in each 
hand, he called to Green, v/lio wtis prepared to 
fire, and said, <* Now Green, if you do not take 
good aim, you are a dead man." Daunted by 
his manner, their resolution lailed, and tlie mi- 
litia coming in, secured them. They after- 
wards declared to the officer who furnishes this 
account, that it was captain Biddle's look and 
manner which had awed them into submission, 
for that they had determined to kill him as soon 
as lie came into the i*oora. 

Writing from the Capes to his brother, the. 
late judge Biddie, he says, I know not what 
may be our fate : be it however what it may, 
you may rest assured I will never cause a blush 
in the cheeks of my friends or countrymen. 
'Soon after they sailcik the small-pori, broke cut 



BIDDLE. 47 

Hail raged v>iih great violence in the fleet<r 
which was manned cliiefly by New England 
seamen. The humanity of captain Biddle, al- 
ways prompt and active, was employed on this 
occasion to alleviate tsie general distress, by all 
the means in his power. His own crew, whicli 
vvas from Philadelphia, being secure against 
the distemper, he took on board great numbers 
of the &!ck from the other vessels. Every part 
of his vessel was crowded, the longboat was 
fitted for their accommodation, and he gave 
up his OAvn cot to a young midshipman en 
whom he bestowed the greatest attention till 
his death. In the mean while he slept him- 
self ux>ou the lockers, refusing the repeated 
solicitations of his officers to accept their 
births. On their arriiai at New Providence 
it surrendered witliout opposition. The crew 
of the Andrew Doria, from their crowded si- 
tuation, became sick, and before she left Pro- 
vidence, there Avere not men enough capablo 
of doing duty to man the boats ; captain Bid- 
die visited them every day, and ordered every 
necessary refreshment, but ihej continued 
sickly until they arrived at New London. 

After refitting at New London, captain Bid- 
die received orders to proceed off the Banks 
of Newfoundland, in order to intercept the 
transports and storeships bound to Boston. 
Before h« reached the Banks, he captured 
two ships from Scotland, with four hundred 
highland troops on board, destined for Bostoiu 
At this time the Andrew Doria had not one 
hundred men. Lieutenant Josiah, a brave and 
excellent officer >vas Tsvt *^n toard one of the 



4S BIDBLK. 

prizes, with all the Highland offieers, and or 
dered to make the iirSt port. Unfortunately 
about ten days afterwards he was taken by the 
Cerberus frigate, and on pretence of his bcin|i: 
an Englishman, he was ordered to do duty, and 
extremely ill used. Captain Biddle hearing of 
the ill treatment of lieutenant Josiah, wrote to 
the admiral at New^-York, that however disa- 
greeable it was to him, he would treat a young 
man of family, believed to be a son of lord Cras- 
ton, who was then his prisoner, in the same 
manner they treated lieutenant Josiali. 

He also applied to his own government in be.- 
half of this injured officer, and by the proceed- 
ings of congress on the 7th of August, 1770, it 
appears, ** That a letter from captain Nicholas 
Biddle to the Marine commiitec, was laid be- 
fore congress and read, Y/hcreupon, llesoh^ed. 
That general Washington be directed to pro- 
pose an exchange of lieutenant Josiah for a 
lieutenant of the navy of Great Britain : That 
the general remonstrate to lord Howe on the 
cruel treatment lieutenant Josiah has met with, 
of which the congress have received undoubted 
information." Lieutenant Josiah was exchang- 
ed after an imprisonment often months. After 
the capture of the chips with the Highlanders 
such was captain Biddle' s activity and success 
in taking prizes, that when he arrived in the 
Delaware he had but five of the crew with 
which he sailed from New London, the rest 
having been distributed among the captured 
vessels, and their places supplied by men who 
had entered from the prizes. He had a great 



BIDDLE. i9 

numbci' of pnSoners, so that for soule days bc- 
I'oi'c he got ill he never left the deck. 

While he was thus indefatigably engaged in 
weakening the enemy's power, and advancing 
his country's interest, he was disinterested and 
generous in all that related to his private ad- 
vantage. The brave and worthy opponent 
whom the chance of war had thrown in his 
power, found in him a patron and friend, who 
on more than one occasion vvas known to rc^ 
store to the vanquished the fruits of victory. 

In the latter end of tlie year 1776, captaiii 
Kiddle was appointed to the command of the 
Uandolph, a frigate of tliirty-two guns, "^^ilh 
his usual activity he employed every exeitlon 
to get her ready for sea. The dilliculty of 
procuring American seamen at that tirac obiig- 
ed him, in order to man his ship, to take a num- 
ber of IJritlsh seamen, who were prisoners of 
Mar, and who had requested leave to c.iter. 

The Randolph sailed from Philadelphia in 
February 1777. Soon after she got to sea her 
lower raasts were discovered to be unsound, 
and in a heavy gale of wind all her masts went 
hy the hoard. SVhilc they were hearing array 
I'or Charleston, the English sailors, with some 
others of the crew formed a design to take the 
ship. When all was ready they gave three 
cheers on the gun-deck. By the decided and 
resolute conduct of captain Biddle and iiis olli- 
qers, the ringleaders were seized and punisiied, 
and the rest submitted without further resis- 
tance. After refitting at Charleston, as spee- 
dily as possible, he sailed on a cruise, and three 
days after he left the Bar, he fell in with four 

E 



Bb B1£>BLE, 

sail of vessels, bound from Jamaica to Loiido2i> 
One of tlicm called the True Briton mounted 
twenty guns. The commander of her who had 
frequently expressed to his passengers his hopes 
of falling in with the Randolph, as soon as he 
perceived her, made all the sail he could from 
her, hut finding he could not escape, he hove to, 
and kept up a constant fire, until the Randolph 
had bore down upon him and was preparing for 
a broadside, when he hauled down his colors. 
By her superior sailing the Randolph was ena- 
bled to capture the rest of the vessels, and in 
one week from the time he sailed from Charles- 
ton, captain Biddle returned there with his pri- 
zes, which proved to be very valuable. 

Encouraged by his spirit and success, the state 
of South Carolina made exertions for fitting out 
an expedition under his command. His name 
and the personal attachment to him urged for- 
ward a crowd of volunteers to serve with hint, 
and in a short time the sliip General Moultrie, 
the brigs Fair America, and Polly, and the No- 
tre Dame were prepared for sea. A detach- 
ment of fifty men from tlie first regiment of 
South Carolina Continental infantry was order- 
ed to act as marines on board the Randolph. 
The regiment was then commanded by colonel, 
now general Charles Cotesworth Pinckncy, 
who, with his own officers and soldiers would 
liave done honor to any service. Such, says 
our informant, himself a gallant officer of that 
regiment, was the attachment which the hono- 
rable and amiable deportment of captain Bid- 
die had impressed during his stay at Charles- 
ton, and such the confidence inspired by his 



BIDBLE. 51 

professlonai eoiiduet and valor, Uiat a general 
emulation pervaded the corps to liave the ho- 
nor of serving under his coininaiul. The tour 
of duty, after a generous competition among the 
oiSeers, was decided to captain Joor, and lieu- 
tenants Grey and Simmons, whose gallant con- 
duet, and that of their brave detachment, did 
justice to the high character of the regiment. 
As soon as the Randolph was refitted and a 
new mainmast obtained in place of one which 
had been struck with lightening, she dropt 
doAvn to Rebellion Roads Avith her little squad- 
ron. Their intention was to attack the Carys- 
fort frigate, the Perseus twenty-four gun ship, 
the Hinchinbrook of sixteen guns, and a priva- 
teer which had been cruizing off the Bar, and 
had much annoyed the trade. They were de- 
tained a considerable time in Rebellion Roads, 
after they were ready to sail, by contrary winds 
and vrant of Avater on the Bar for the Randolph. 
As soon as they got over tlie Bar, they stood 
to the eastward, in expectation of falling in 
with the British cruizers. The next day they 
retook a dismasted ship from New England ; 
as she had no cargo on board they took out her 
crew, six light guns and some stores, and set 
her on lire. Finding that the British ships had 
left the coast, they proceeded to the West In- 
dies, and cruised to the eastAvard, and nearly 
in the latitude of Barbadoes for some days, 
during Avhich time they boarded a number of 
French and Dutch sliips, and took an English 
schooner from Ncav York bound to Grenada, 
Avliich had mistaken the Randolph for a Bri- 



tish frigate, and wns taken possession of bof#re 
the mistake Avas cKscovered. 

On the night of the 7th of March, 1778, tlic 
fatal accident occurred, Avhicli terminated the 
life of this excellent oiFicer. For some days 
previously, he had expected an attack. Cap- 
tain Blake, a brave officer, who commanded u 
detachment of the second South Carolina re- 
giment, serving as marines on board the Ge- 
neral Moultrie, and to whom we are indebted 
fdr several of the ensuing particulars, dined on 
board the Randolph two days before the engage- 
ment. At dinner captain Biddle said, *^ We 
have been cruizing here for sometime, and have 
spoken a number of vessels who will no doubt 
give information of us, and I should not be sur- 
prised if my old ship should be out after us. 
As to any thing that carries her guns upon one 
deck, I think myself a match for her. About 
three P. M. of the 7th of March, a signal was 
made from the Randolph for a sail to wind- 
^viard, in consequence of Avhich the squadron 
hauled upon a wind, in order to speak her. It 
was four o'clock before she could be distinctly 
seen, when she was discovered to be a ship, 
though as slie neared and came before the wind, 
she had the appearance of a large sloop with 
only a square sail set. About seven o'clock, 
the Randolpli being to windward hove to, the 
Moultrie being about one hundred and fifty 
yards astern, and rather to leward, also hove 
to. About eight o'clock, tlie British ship fired 
a shot just ahead of the Moultrie, ami hail- 
ed her, the answer was the Polly of New York, 
upon which gh.c immediately hauled her xmi^^ 



BIDBLE. 53 

and hailed the Randolph. She was then for 
the first time discovered to be a two decker. 
After several questions asked and answered, as 
she was ranging up along side the Randolph, 
and had got on her weather quarter, lieutenant 
Barnes of that ship called out, *• This is the 
Randolph," and she immediately hoisted her 
colors and gave the enemy a broadside. Short- 
ly after the action commenced, captain Biddle 
received a Avound in the thigh and fell. This 
occasioned some confusion, as it was at first 
thought that he was killed. He soon howe\*8i* 
ordered a chair to be brought, said that he was 
only slightly wounded, and being earned for- 
ward encouraged the crew. The stern of the 
enemy's ship being clear of the Randolph, the 
captain of the Moultrie gave orders to fire, but 
the enemy having shot a head, so as to bring 
the Randolph between them, the last broadside 
of the Moultrie w ent into the Randolph, and it 
was thought by one of the men saved who was 
stationed on the quarter deck near captain Bid- 
die, that he was Avoundcd by a shot from the 
Moultrie. The fire from tlie Randolph was 
constant and well directed. She fired nearly 
three broadsides to the enemy's one, and she 
appeared wliile the battle lasted to be in a con- 
tinual blase. In about twenty minutes after 
the action began, and while the surgeon was 
examining captain Biddle's wound on the quar- 
ter deck, the Randolph blew up. 

The enemy's vessel was the British ship Yar- 
Mioutli of sixty -four guns, commanded by cap- 
tain Vincent. So closely were they engaged, 
that captain IMorgan of the Fair American, 
US 



S* BIDDLE. 

and all his crew thought that it was the ene- 
my's :ship that had hlown up. He stood for thp 
Yarmouth, and had a trumpet in his hand to 
hail and inquire how captain Biddle was, when 
he discovered his mistake. Owing to the disa- 
bled condition of the Yarmouth the pthcr ves- 
sels escaped. 

The cause of the explosion was never ascer- 
tained, but it] is remarkable that just before 
he sailed, after the clerk had copied the sig- 
nals and orders for the armed vessels that ac- 
companied him, he wrote at the foot of them, 
^*In case of coming to action in the night be 
very careful of your magazines." llic num- 
ber of persons on board the Randolph was 
three hundred and fifteen, who all perished, 
except four men, who were tossed about for 
four days on a piece of the wreck before they 
were discovered and taken up. From the in- 
formation of two of these men, who v/ere af- 
terwards in Philadelphia, and of some indivi- 
duals in the other vessels of the squadron, we 
have been enabled to state some particulars of 
this unfortunate event in addition to the ac- 
counts given of it by Dr. Ramsay in his His- 
tory of tlie American Revolution, and in his 
history of the revolution of South Carolina* 
In the former work, the historian thus con- 
cludes his account of the action : " Captain 
Biddle who perished on board the Randolph 
was universally lamented. He was in the 
prime of life, and had excited high expecta- 
tions of future usefulness to his country, as a 
hoUl and skilful naval officer. 



BLAN1». ^$ 

Thus prematurely fell at tlic age of twenty- 
seven, as gallant an officer as any country ever 
boasted of. In the short career winch Provi- 
dence allowed to him, he displayed all those 
qualities which constitute a great soldier. 
Brave to excess, and consummately skilled in 
his profession, no danger nor unexpected event 
could shake his firmness, or disturb his pre- 
sence of mind. An exact and rigid disciplina- 
riauj he tempered his authority with so mucli 
humanity and affability, that his orders were 
always executed with cheerfulness and alacri- 
ty. Perhaps no oflicer ever understood better 
the art of commanding the affections as well 
as the respect of those who served under him : 
if that can be called an art which Avas rather 
the natural effect of the benevolence and mag- 
nanimity of his character. 

BLAND, TiiEODORic, a worthy patriot and 
statesman, was a natiyc of Virginia, and des- 
cended from an ancient and respectable family 
in that state. He was bred to the science of 
physic, but upon the commencement of the 
American war he quitted the practice, and took 
an active part in the cause of his country. He 
soon rose to tlie rank of colonel, and had tlie 
command of a regiment of di »*goons. While 
in the army he frequently signalized himself 
by brilliant actions. In 1779 he was appointed 
to the command of the convention troops at 
Albemarle barracks, in Virginia, and conti- 
nued in that situation till some time in 1780, 
when he was elected to a seat in congress. — 
He continued in that body tlirec years, the 
time, allowed by the confederation. After the 



56 BOWBOIN. 

expiration of this term lie again returned to 
Virginia, and was chosen a member of the state 
legislature He opposed the adoption of the 
constitution, believing it to be repugnant to 
the interests of his country, and Avas in the 
minority, that voted against its ratification. — 
But when it was at length adopted, he sub- 
mitted to the voice of the majority. He was 
chosen to represent the district, in which he 
lived, in the first congress under the constitu- 
tion. He died at Hew York, June 1, 1790, 
while attending a session of congress, in the 
forty ninth year of his age. 

He was honest, open, candid ; and his con- 
duct was such in his intercourse with mankind 
as to secure universal respect. Though a le- 
gislator, he was not destitute of a genius for 
poetry. 

BOWDOIN, James, governor of Massachu- 
setts, was born in Boston, 1727, and was the 
son of William Bowdoin, an eminent merchant. 
His father was a native of France, and after 
the revocation of the edict of Nantes, he fled 
among the persecuted protestants of that coun- 
try first to Ireland, and afterwards to New 
England in 1688. He landed at Falmouth, 
now Portland, in Caseo bay, and after conti- 
nuing there about two years removed to Bos- 
ton in 1690. It is remarkable, that the dav 
after his removal, all the inhabitants of Caseo 
bay were cut ofi* by the Indians. 

Mr. Bowdoin was graduated at Harvard 
College in 1745. He very soon became a dis- 
tinguished character among the citizens of 
Boston; was chosen a representative to the 



BowiyaiN. hy 

general court, 1756 ; and from tliis year con- 
tinued in public life till the year 176(^, Avhen 
he was negatived by governor Bernard, on ac- 
count of his being the most leading whig at the 
council board. He was, the next year, sent 
representative from Boston; chosen a coun- 
sellor ; and accepted by Mr. Hutchinson, be- 
cause he thought his influence less prejudicial 
•< in the house of representatives, than at the 
council board." He was one of the committee 
that drew tlie answer to the governor's speech- 
es, where he asserted and endeavoured to prove, 
by strong arguments, the right of Great Bri- 
tain to tax America. For this he had the bo- 
or of being negatived by governor Gage, in 

1774, who declared that " he had express or- 
ders from his majesty to set aside from that 
board, the honorable Mr. Bowdoin, Mr. Dex- 
ter, and Mr. Winthrop." 

During this memorable year, delegates were 
chosen to meet at Philadelphia, which was the 
first congress of the United States. Mr. Bow- 
doin was the first member of the Massachusetts 
delegation. He was prevented from attending 
his duty by his ill state of health. Mr. Han- 
cock was afterwards chosen in his place. In 

1775, when the town of Boston was blockaded, 
Mr. Bowdoin was moderator of the meeting, 
when the inhabitants agreed to give up their 
arms to general Gage, on condition of their be- 
ing permitted to leave the place with their 
property, and without disturbance. In this 
business he conducted with great prudence and 
firmness, and was one of the first who went out 
-of Boston after the agreement. It is well 



bS BOWDOIN. 

known Iioav shamefully the pi'omises of the 
British commanders were violated. Mr. Bow- 
doin took his place as chief of the Massachu- 
setts council at Watertown, and was one of 
the fifteen, who by the charter were to act in 
the room of the governor, when the office was 
vacated. In 1778 — 80, the convention for es- 
tablishing a state government for Massachu- 
setts met at Cambridge, and afterwards at 
Boston. Of this body, Mr. Bowdoin, was Pre- 
sident. In the year 1785, after the resigna- 
tion of Hancock, he was chosen governor of 
Massachusetts, and was re-elected the follow- 
ing year. In this office liis wisdom, firmness, 
and inflexible integrity were conspicuous. — 
With imiform ability and patriotism he advo- 
cated the cause of his country, and his v»^ritings 
and exertions during the revolutionary war 
w^ere eminently useful. VVhea the constitu- 
tion of the United States was planned, and 
the Massachusetts convention mot to consider 
whether it should be adopted, Mr. Bowdoin 
was at the h^jad of the Boston delegation, all 
of whom voted in favour of it. lie made a 
very handsome speech upon the occasion, which 

may be read in the volume of tlieir debates 

From this time, he changed the tumult of pub- 
lic scenes, for domestic peace, and the satis- 
factions of study. 

He always had been a student. He was an 
excellept scholar at college, and afterwards 
pursued philosophical studies, having left his 
mercantile business, that he might enjoy otimn 
cum dignitate. His letters to Hr. Franklin 
have been published. When the Americaj?. 



BOWI>OIN. 5^ 

academ;^ of arts and sciences was instituted, 
he was appointed the first president, and con- 
tributed several papers which were printed ia 
the first volume of their transactions. He 
also pronounced an oration, " upon the benefits 
of philosophy," which was printed in a pam- 
phlet, and also in the volume, with the pro- 
ceedings of the society. His literary reputa- 
tion was not confined to his own country. He 
was a member of several foreign societies for 
the promotion of agriculture, arts and com- 
merce. He was also fellow of the royal soci- 
ety, London. He received a diploma of doctor 
of laws from several universities of Europe, 
and from Philadelphia, as well as his Alma 
Mater at Cambridge. It was a great acquisi- 
tion to this seminary, to have him connected 
with tljeir government. As a member of the 
<jouncil he was ex officio, one of the overseers. 
And he was elected a fellow of the corpora- 
tion, which office he executed with great judg- 
ment, honor and fidelity, but which he resign- 
ed when he was chosen governor of the Com- 
monwealth. He was a munificent friend to the 
college. Beside his donations to the library, 
and philosophical iipparatus, he left 400 pounds, 
Massachusetts currency, to be appropriated to 
certain purposes, as mentioned in his will. — 
His large and valuable library was given to 
the academy of arts and sciences. 

In other walks of life Mr. Bowdoin was 
conspicuous and useful, "When the humane 
society was instituted he was chosen the first 
president. He was always ready to promote 
every literary, benevolent and religious institu- 



60 '^^llACKErr— BliABFOKD. 

tions. lie exliibited the virtues of social liic 
in all their engaging lustre, and he also breath- 
ed a christian spirit. 

He died in Boston, after a distressing ill- 
ness of three months, November 6, 179U, in 
the sixty fourth year of his age. 

BllACKETT, Joshua, president of tlie 
New Hampshire medical society, was born in 
Greenland, New Hampshire, in May 1773, and 
was graduated at Harvard college in 175i2. — 
He afterwards pursued the study of theology, 
and commenced a preacher ; but a regard to 
his licalth induced him soon to engage in the 
study of physic. After a life of patriotism and 
usefulness he died at Portsmouth, July 17, 
1802, in the sixty ninth year of his age, in full 
belief of the restoration of all things. 

He was much distinguished for his activity 
and zeal in the cause of American indepen- 
dence. He was one of the committee of safe- 
ty during the revolutionary war. A friend to 
medical science, he exerted himself to estab- 
iisli the medical society in New Hampshire, 
and gave about one hundred and fifty volumes 
as the foundation of its library. He made mi- 
nutes of important cases occurring in his prac- 
tice. He was a man of integrity, mildness and 
benevolence. Such was his regard to the poor, 
that he never made a charge, where he sup- 
posed the payment would occasion the smallest 
inconvenience. His heart could sympatliise in 
the distress of others. 

BUADFORD, William, an American law- 
yer of eminence, was born in Philadelphia, 
September lith, 1775, and was placed early 



BRADFOHD. 61 

uiitlcr the Y>articular care of a verv rcspccta- 
Me and worthy clergyman, a few miles from 
that city, from Mhom he received the rudi- 
ments of an education, uliich Avas afterwards 
improved to the greatest advantage, and under 
the tuition of this excellent preceptor he ic- 
inained, >vith little interruption, until he Avas 
lit to enter college. It \vas at this time thai 
his father had formed a plan of keeping him 
at home, and of hringing him up in the insu- 
rance ofiice, Avhicli he then conducted ; hut so 
strong was the love of learning implanted in 
the young mind of his son, that neilher persua- 
sion, nor offers of a pecuniary advantage, could 
]irevail with him to abandon the hopes of a li- 
beral education, and lie voluntarily oifered to 
resign every expectation of the former from 
liis father to obtain the advantages of the 
latter, by a regular course of studies. Ac- 
cordingly in tiie spring of 17C9, he was sent 
10 Princeton, and entered the college of Nas- 
sau Hall, then under the direction of the late 
learned and pious Dr. John Witherspoon, 
where he continued Avith great benefit to him- 
self till the fall of 177x2, when he received the 
honors of the college by a degree of bachelor 
of arts, and in 1775 that of A. M. During 
liis residence at this seminary, he was greatly 
beloved by his fellow students, while he con- 
firmed the expectations of his friends and the 
faculty of the college, by giving repeated evi- 
^lence of genius and taste, and at the public 
commencement had one of the liighest honors 
i)f the class conferred upon him* 



6:2 BHADIOIil). 

He continued at Princeton till the year fol 
lowing, (luring which time an opportunity was 
afforded him of attending Dr. Wither spoon's 
excellent lectures on theology, and, from this 
useful teacher he received much information 
•and general knowledge; after Avhicli he re- 
turned to the scenes of his youth, and spent se- 
veral months under the instruction of his first 
revcFcnd preceptor, who strove to prepare him 
for future usefulness by his piety, experience, 
and knowledge of the world. 

Thus fitted for active life, after consulting 
his own inclinations, and the advice of his 
friends, he fixed on t!ie study of the law, which 
he commenced under the late honorable Kdward 
Shipped, esq. then one of the council of the 
supreme court of Pennsylvania, and late chief 
justice of that state, where he prosecuted his 
studies with his usual diligence and uuNvearied 
application. 

In tiie Spring of 1776 he was called upon, 
by the peculiar circumstances of the times, to 
exert himself in defence of the dearest rights 
of human nature, and to join the standard of 
his country, in opposition to the oppressive ex- 
actions of Britain. When the militia were 
called out to form the flying camp, he was 
chascn major of brigade to general Roberdcau, 
and on the expiration of his term accepted a 
company in colonel Hampton's regular troops, 
where he was soon promoted to the station of 
deputy paymaster general, with the rank of 
lieutenant-colonel, in which office he continued 
^bout two years, till his want of health, being 
of a delicate constitution, obliged him to resign 



BRADFORl^. 6^ 

his camiiiissioii and return liome; lie now 
reconiinciiced tlie study of the law, and in 177S> 
was admitted to the bar of the supreme court 
of Pennsylvania, wheie his rising cliarsicter 
soon introduced him into an unusual share of 
husine;;s ; and, in Auj^ust 1780, only one year 
after he was licensed, by the recommendations 
of the bar, and the particular attentit)n of his 
late excellency Joseph liced, esq. then presi- 
dent of the state, he was appointed attorney 
general of the state of Pennsylvania. 

In 178i he married the daughter of Elias 
Boudinot of New Jersey, counsellor at law, 
with whom he lived till his death in the exer- 
cise of every domestic virtue that could adorn 
human nature. On the reformation of the 
courts of justice under the new constitution of 
Pennsylvania, he was solicited to accept the 
honorable office of one of the judges of the su- 
preme court, which, with much hesitation, he 
accepted, and was commissioned by his exceL 
lency governor Mifflin, August 22, 1791. 

His indefatigable industry, unshaken inte- 
grity, and correct judgment, enabled him to 
give general satisfaction in tliis office, as well 
to the suitors as at the bar. Here he had de-' 
termined to spend a considerable part of his 
life ; but, on the attorney general of the Uni- 
ted States being promoted to the office of se- 
cretary of state, Mr. Bradford Avas urged, by 
various public considerations, to yield to the 
pressure of the occasion, and accept of that of- 
iiee. He acccrdingly resigned his judge's com- 
mission and was appointed attorney general of 
the United States ou the 2^th df^y of JaniiarT, 



6i^ BRADEORB. 

i79%. This office lie held till his death, wheji 
he was found ^t his post, in the midst of great 
usefulness, possessing, in a high degree, the 
^nfidenee of the country. 

Mr. Bradford's temper was mild and amia- 
ble ; his manners were genteel, unassuming, 
modest, and conciliating. As a public speak- 
er, his eloquence was soft, persuasive, nervous 
and convincing. He understood mankind wel]> 
and knew how to place his arguments and bis 
reasonings in the most striking point of light. 
His language was pure, sententious, and pleag- 
ing ; and he so managed most of his forensic 
disputes, as scarcely ever to displease his op- 
ponents ; while he gave the utmost satisfaction 
to liis clients. His close application to the law, 
and the litigation of the bar, did' not prevent 
him altogether from indulging now and then 
his fondness for poetry ; his taste and talents 
for which Mere above the common standard, 
and several pieces of his composition have 
been published. In 1793 he published <^an 
inquiry hov/ far the punishment of death is ne- 
cessary in Pennsylvania." This was written 
at the request of his excellency governor Mif- 
flin, and intended for the us(5 of the legislature, 
in the nature of a report ; they having the sub- 
ject at large under their consideration. This 
performance justly gained him great credit, 
nnd its happy effects are manifes^ted wherever 
it has been read with attention, especially in 
tlie reformation of the penal codes of several 
states in the Union, where the interests of hu- 
manity have, at last, prevailed over ancient 
and inveterate prejudices. 



BRADtORrji---BROC>K§. 65 

He (lied on tlie 23d day of August, 1795, in 
the 40th year of his age, and was, according to 
his express desire, huried hy the side of his 
parents in the hurial ground, helonging to the 
second Presbyterian church in Philadelphia. 

BRADFORD, WiixiAM, an eminent prin- 
ter and friend of his country, died at Phila- 
delphia, September 25, 1791, in the seventy 
third year of his age. In the war with Great 
Britain he early espoused the cause of his coun- 
try, and WHS colonel of a regiment. He was 
many years editor of the Pennsylvania journal, 
and being a printer, as were his ancestors foi* 
three generations, like them he devoted hi-i 
press to the interests of liberty. 

BROOKS, Eleazae, a brigadier general in 
the late war, was born in Concord, Massachu- 
setts, in 1726. Without the advantages of edu- 
cstion he acquired a valuable fund of know- 
ledge. It was his practice in early life to read 
the most approved books, and then to converse 
with the most intelligent men respecting them. 
In 177 i he was chosen a representative to the 
general court and continued twenty seven years 
in public life, being successively a representa- 
tive, a member of the senate, and of the council. 
He took a decided part in the American revo- 
lution. At the head of a regiment he was en- 
gai^ed in the battle at White Plains in 1776, 
and in the secbnd action near Still Water, Oc- 
tober 7, 1777, and distinguished himself ly his 
cool determined bravery. From the year 1801 
he secluded himself in the tranquil scenes of 
domestic life. He died at Lincoln, Massachu- 
setts, November 9, 1806, aged eighty years* 
1'2 



66 BROWN. 

General Brooks possessed an uneominonly 
strong and penetrating mind, and bis jndgmeirt 
as a statesman was treated witli respect. He 
was diligent and industrious, slow in concert- 
ing, but' expeditious in j»erforming bis plans. 
He was a firm believer in the doctrines of 
Christianity, and in his advanced years accept- 
ed the office of deacon in the church at Lin- 
coln. This office he ranked above all others, 
which he had sustained during life. 

BROWN, Andrew, editor of the Philadel- 
phia Gazette, was born in Ireland about the 
year 17i<4. lie came to America in 1773 as a 
soldier in a British regiment ; but be quitted the 
service and settled in Massachusetts. He cur 
gaged in the American cause at the commence- 
ment of the war, and displayed great courage m 
the battles of Lexington and Bunker's hilL He 
was also a useful officer in the northern army 
under general Gates. At the close of the war 
he established an academy for young ladies in 
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on a very liberal and 
extensive plan. He afterwards removed to 
Philadelphia, where he pursued the same ob- 
ject ; but as his employment did not well accord 
with a very irritable temper, he relinquished 
it. He now established the Federal gazette, 
the first number of which was published Octo- 
ber 1, 178S. The present government of the 
United States had not then commenced, and 
his jmper was the channel, through which some 
Qjt the most intelligent friends of the consti- 
tution addressed the public. He pursued his 
task with indefatigable industry ; but difficul- 
ties pressed upon him, and he seemed to have 



little prospect of deriving much pecuniary ad- 
vantage from bis paper, before tbe city was 
visited witb tbe yellow fever in 1793. As be 
remained in Pbiladelpbia during tlie ravages 
of tbe pestilence, and continued bis gazette, 
wben tbe otlier daily papers Avere suspended^ 
be derived from tbis circumstance an increase 
of patronage, wbicb at lengtb rewarded bis la- 
bors. His exertions were not relaxed tbrough 
bis success ; but, cbanging tbe name of bis 
paper to that of tbe Pbiladelpbia Gazette, 
and resolving, that it sboubl not be devoted 
exclusively to any political sect, but should be 
open to discussions from every side, be made it 
a correct vebicle of important intelligence. — 
Tbe profits of bis establisbment were now 
great, and be was in tbe midst of prosperity, 
wben it pleased God to overwhelm bim with 
ruin. His bouse took fire by means of his of- 
fice, wbicb was in one part of it, January 27, 
1797, and in an unsuccessful attempt to rescue 
bis family from tbe Hamcs, be was so much 
burned that be survived but a few days. His 
wife and three chihlren were tbe next day com- 
mitted to a common grave, and tbe next Sa- 
turday, February 4, 1797, bis spirit followed 
them into another Avorld. 

BROWN, Moses, a brave officer fn tbe 
navy of tbe United States, died in December, 
1803, aged sixty two years. During tbe last 
forty eight years of bis life be followed tlie 
profession of a mariner. In tbe revolutionary 
war bis reputation gained bim tbe command of 
several of tbe largest private armed ships from 
New England, in these stations he was zea- 



lous, braie, and successful. He was engagecT 
in several severe battles with the enemy, and 
distinguished himself particularly in one with 
a ship of superior force. When the small A^ 
merican navy was establishing, a number of 
years after the Avar, the merchants of Newbu- 
ryport built a ship by subscription for the go- 
vernment, and obtained the command of her 
for captain Brown. His advanced age had not 
impaired his skill, nor deprived him of his zeal 
and activity. AVhile he commanded the Mer- 
rimac he was as enterprising and successful as 
formerly; and he followed till his death his 
accustomed avocation. 

BRYAN, George, a judge of the supreme 
court of Pennsylvania, was a native of Dublin^ 
in Ireland, and was the eldest son of an ancient 
and respectable family. He came to this coun- 
try in early life, and lived forty years in Phila- 
delphia. At first he engaged extensively in 
commercial business ; but it pleased the wise 
Disposer of events to defeat his plans, and re- 
duce him to a state of comparative poverty. — 
He afterwards lived more in accordance with 
ancient simplicity. He was an active and in- 
telligent man. Previously to the revolution 
he was introduced into public employments. — 
He was a delegate to the congress, which met 
in 1775, for the purpose of petitioning and 
remonstrating against the arbitary mcasures^ 
of Great Britain. In the war, which followed, 
he took an open and active part. After tho 
declaration of independence, he was vice pre-sK 
dent of the supreme executive council of Penn- 
sylvania, and on the death of president Whar- 



BUYAN. .^B 

ion, ill May 177 8, he was i)laced at the head 
of the goTcrnmcnt. When his office, by the 
limitation of the constitution, expired in the 
autumn of 1779, he was elected a member of 
the legislature. Here, amidst the tumult of 
war and invasion, when every one was tremb- 
ling for himself, his mind was occupied by the 
claims of humanity and charity. He at this time 
planned and completed an act for the gradual 
abolition of slavery, which is an imperishable 
monument to his memory. He thus furnished 
evidence, that in opposing the exactions of a 
foreign power he was opposing tyranny, and 
\yas really attached to the cause of liberty. — 
After this period he was appointed a judge of 
the supreme court, in which station he conti- 
nued during the remainder of his life. In 1784^ 
he was elected one of the council of censors, 
and was one of its principal members till his 
death, which took place at Philadelphia, Jan- 
uary 28, 1791. 

Besides the offices already mentioned, judge 
Bryan filled a variety of public, literary, and 
charitable employments. Formed for a close 
application to study, animated with an ardent 
thirst for knowledge, and blessed with a me- 
mory of wonderful tenacity, and a clear, pene- 
trating, and decisive judgment, lie availed him- 
self of the labors and acquisitions of others, 
and brought honor to the stations, which he 
occupied. 'Jo his other attainments he added 
the virtues of the christian. He was distin- 
guished by his benevolence and sympathy with 
the distressed, by an unaffected humility and 
Diodtsty> by his readiness to forgive injnric?. 



70 BtJTLElT. 

and by the inflexible integrity of Lis conduct. 
He was superior to the frowns and blandish 
ments of the world. Thus eminently qualified 
for the various public offices, in Mhich he was 
placed, he was faithful and humble in dis- 
charging their duties, and he filled theui with 
ilignity and reputation in the worst of times, 
and in the midst of a torrent of unmerited ob- 
loquy and opposition. Such was his disinter- 
estedness, and his zeal for the good of others, 
that his own interest seemed to be overlooked. 
In the administration of justice he was impar- 
tial and incorruptible. He was an ornament 
to the profession of Christianity, which he^ 
made, the delight of his connexions, and a 
public blessing to the state. By his death re- 
ligion lost an amiable example,, and science a 
steady friend. 

BUTLER, Richard, a brave officer during 
the war of the American revolution, sustained 
the office of colonel at the close of the struggle 
with Great Britain. On more than one occasion 
he had distinguished himself in a remarkable 
manner. In the battle with the Indians neav 
the Miamis villages, November 4, 1791, which 
terminated in the defeat of St. Clair, he com- 
manded the right wing of the army, with the 
rank of general. In this engagement he wa.v 
killed. 

BUTLER, Thomas, a brave officer during 
the war Avith Great Britain, was a brother oi* 
the preceding. Three other brothers fought 
in the service of their country. In the year 
1776 he was a student at law with tl\c eminent; 
judge Wilson qf Philadelphia ; but early hi 



BUTLEH, yi 

that year lie ^quitted liis Btudies, and joined the 
army as a subaltern. He soon obtained the 
command of a company, in yliicb ^iratte he 
continued till the close of the revolutionary 
contest. He was in almost every action, that 
was fought in the middle states during the war. 
At the battle of Brandy wine, September 11, 
1777, he received the thanks of Washington 
on the field of battle, through his aid de camp, 
general Hamilton, for his intrepid conduct in 
rallying a detachment of retreating troops, 
and giving tiie enemy a severe fire. At the 
battle of Monmouth, June 28, 1778, he receiv- 
ed the thanks of general Wayne for defending 
a defile in the face of a heavy fire from the 
enemy, while colonel Richard Butler's regi- 
ment made good their retreat. 

At the close of tlie war he retired into pri- 
vate life as a farmer, and continued in the en- 
joyment of ruEal and domestic happiness till 
the year 1791, wiicn he again took the field to 
meet a savage foe, that menaced our western 
frontier. He commanded a battalion in the 
disastrous battle of November 4, in which his 
brother fell. Orders were given by general 
St. Clair to charge with the bayonet, and ma- 
jor Butler, though his leg had been broken by 
a ball, yet on horse back led his battalion to 
the charge. It was with difficulty, that his 
surviving brother, captain Edward Butler, re- 
moved him from the field. In 1792 he was 
continued on the establishment as a major, and 
in 179i, he was promoted to the rank of lieu- 
tenant colonel commandant of the fourth sub- 
Jegion. He commanded in this year fort Fay- 



72 CASWELL. 

ettc at Pittsliurgli, anil prevented tlic deluded 
insurgents from taking it more by his name^ 
than by his forces, for he liad Init few troops. 
In 1797 he was named by president Washing- 
ton as the offiesr best ealculated to command 
in the state of Tennessee, when it was necessa- 
ry to dispossess some citizens, who had impru- 
dently settled on the Indian lands. Accord- 
ingly in May he marched with his regiment 
from the Miami on the Ohio, and by that jjru- 
dence and good sense, which marked his cha- 
racter tlirough life, he in a short time remov- 
ed all difficulties. While in Tennessee lie 
made several treaties with the Indians. In 
1802, at the reduction of the army, he was con- 
tinued as colonel of a regiment on the peace 
establishment. 

The close of his life was embittered by trou- 
ble. In 1803 he Avas arrested by the command- 
ing general at fort Adams, on the Mississippi, 
and sent to Maryland, where he was tried by a 
court martial, and acquitted of all the charges, 
except that of wearing his hair. lie was then 
ordered to New Orleans, where he arrived to 
take the command of the troops October 20. — 
He was again arrested the next month, but 
the court did not meet till July of next year, 
and their decision is not known. Colonel But- 
ler died September 7, 1805, aged fifty one 
years. 

CASWELL, TJicnARD, governor of North 
Carolina, received an education suitable for the 
))ar, and was uniformly distinguished as a 
1 riend to the rights of mankiud. He possessed 
,ij sensibility, wliieh impelled him to relieve the 



CASW-EIX. rS 

distress, ^viiich he witnessed. Whenever op- 
pressed indigence ealk-d fur his professional 
assistance, he afforded it without the hope of 
any other reward, than tike consciousness of 
having exerted himself to promote the happi- 
ness of a fellow man. 

Warmly attached to the liberties of his 
country, he was appointed a member of the 
imt congress in 1771, and he early took arms 
in resistance to the arbitrary claims of Great 
Britain. He was at the head of a regiment in 
1776, when it became necessary to oppose a 
body of loyalists, composed of a number of the 
ignorant and disorderly inhabitants of the fron- 
tiers, styling themselves regulators, and of emi- 
grants from the highlands of Scotland. This 
party of about fifteen hundred men was collect- 
ed in the middle of February under general 
]M'Donald. He v/as pursued by general Moore, 
and on the twenty seventh, he found himself 
under the necessity ef engaging colonel Cas- 
well, who was intrenched with about a thou- 
sand minute men and militia, directly in his 
front, at a place called Moore's creek-bridge. 
This was about sixteen miles distant, from 
Wilmington, where M'Donald hoped to join 
general Clinton. But he was defeated and 
taken prisoner by Caswell, with the loss of se- 
venty men in killed and wounded, and liftcen 
hundred excellent rifles. This victory was of 
eminent service to the American cause in 
North Carolina. 

Mr. Caswell was president of the conven- 
tion, which formed the constitution of North 
Carolina, in December 1776, under which coii- 

G 



stitiiUoii he ^vas governor from April 1777 to 
the year 1780, and from 1785 to 1787. At the 
time of his death he was president of the se- 
nate, and for a niimher of years lie had held the 
commission of major genei'al. lie died at 
Fayetteville, November 20, 17 89. 

In his character the public arid domestic 
virtues v/ere miited. Ever honored v/ith some 
marks of the approbation of his fellow citizens, 
lie watched with unremitted attention over the 
welfare of the community, and anxiously en- 
deavoured also to promote the felicity of its 
members in their separate interests. While 
the complacency of his disposition and his equal 
temper peculiarly endeared him to his friends, 
they commanded respect even from his ene- 
mies. 

CHAMPE, John, was a native of Yirginia, 
and during our revolutionary war, a scrjeant- 
majoi' in a legion of cavalry. After the detec- 
tion of Arnold's treason, and the capture of 
major Andre, the commander in chief received 
frequent intellij^ence that many American oHi- 
eers, and one brigadier-general, liigh in his con- 
fidence, were implicated in the guilt of (hat con- 
spiracy. He consulted with major Lee on tlie 
subject, submitted to his inspection the papers 
detailing this alarming intelligence, and desir- 
ed his opinion on the subject. Major Lee en- 
deavored to calm his apprehensions, and repre- 
sented this, as an artifjce which the British 
general had adopted to weaken the confidence 
of the commander in chief in his subordinate 
officers, and to sow the seeds of discord in the 
Vmerican camp. Washington observed, tUat 



CHAMPE. 70 

ihc same ikouglit liftd occurred to Vnw ; but as 
these remarks applied witli equal force to Ar- 
nold before his desertion, he was dctcrmsiied on 
probing this matter to tljc bottom. He pro- 
ceeded to say, that what he had then to com- 
municate was a aubject of high delicacy, and 
entire confidence. He Avished major Lee to 
recoiiimend some bold and enterprising indi- 
Tidual from tlie legion he commanded, v/ho 
should proceed on that very night to the ene- 
my's camp, in the character of a deserter. 
He was to make himself known to one or two 
of Washington's confidential agents in New 
York, obtain, through tlieir means, the most 
authentic evidence of tlie innocence or guilt of 
the American officers suspected, and transmit 
the result to major Lee. Another part of his 
project was to seize the traitor and to bring 
lura alive to the American camp ; but the or- 
ders were positive not to put him to death, and 
to suffer him to escape, if lie could not be takerr 
hy any other means. His public punishment 
was all that Washington desired. He flatter- 
ed himself that by Arnold's arrest he would 
be enabled to unravel this conspiracy, and swvt 
the life of the uvfortunate Jlndre. When ma- 
jor Lee sounded Champe on this business, the 
heroic serjeant replied, that if any means could 
be devised by which he could testify his devo- 
tion to his country, and his attachment to his 
commander in cliief, compatible with honor, he 
would cheerfully endure any personal risk : but 
his soul abhorred the thoughts of desertion. 
Major Lee with much difficulty succeeded in 
convincing him, that in no other way could he 



?t> ^HAMPE. 

render so important a service to Iiis coiiiiiry^ 
and he was at last i)revailed upon to undertake 
this hazardous service. After being furnished 
with his instructions, which lie liastily took 
down in a character, or rarther cipher of his 
ov/n, (for he was not permitted to carry writ- 
ten orders,) his difficulty was to pass the Ame- 
rican lines. The major was unable to promise 
h\m any protection, as this would seem to coun- 
tenance the plot, and to favor the desertion of 
others, and the enemy might moreover, obtain 
intelligence by that means, discover and defeat 
his object, and he himself suffer the ignomi- 
nious death of a spy. The serjeant at length 
departed, and about half an hour afterwards, 
the colonel was informed that one of the pa- 
trolcs had fallen in with a dragoon, who being 
4jhalleaged put spurs to his horse, and escaped. 
JLee made light of the intelligence, and scout- 
ed the idea that a dragoon belonging to his Ic- 
j^ion should desert. It was probably, he said, 
a countryman, who was alarmed at the chal- 
lenge, and iniglit easily in the night time be 
mistaken for one of Jiis men. Orders were at 
length given, to examine the squadron. This 
command was promptly obeyed, and produced 
a eonlirmation of the first intelligence, with 
die further tidings that this individual was no 
otherthan tlic serjeant major ; as neither him- 
liclf, his baggage, or his horse were to be found. 
hec now made lighter than ever of the report ; 
ouhirged on the former services of the serjeant, 
and his known and tried fidelity. lie said thai 
he had probably folIoMcd tlie pernicious exam- 
ple set \>Y liis superior officers, who, in dcii^ 



CHAMPE. 77 

ance af their orders, peremptory as they were., 
oceasjonally quitted the camp, and were never 
suspected of desertion. All these pretexts 
having been exhausted, written orders were 
at length issued, in the usual form, " Pursue 
as far as you can serjeant Champe, suspected 
of desertion ; bring him alive that he may suf- 
fer in the presence of the army ; but kill him 
if he resists, or escapes after being taken." 
Before the pursuing party set out, major Lee 
directed tlie commanding officer to be chang- 
ed, which allowed a little more time to the fu- 
gitive. Pursuit was at length made, and con- 
tinued with such eagerness, that Champe 
escaped at the distanee only of three or four 
hundred yards. The British galleys were ly- 
ing below Powlc's hook ; Champe called to 
them for protection, and leaving his horse and 
baggage, plunged into the river sword in hand. 
One of the galleys despatched a boat to his as- 
sistance, and iired on his pursuers, by which 
means Champe gained the shore without 
injury. 

Washington was highly pleased with the i-e- 
sult of this adventure. The eagerness of the 
pursuit he thought would be decisive evidence 
to the British commander, that this v/as a real, 
and not a feigned desertion. Champe was im- 
mediately brought before sir Henry Clinton, 
and questioned by him on a variety of subjects, 
and amongst the rest, if any ^Rrdericaii ojficers 
were suspected of desertioji, and who those ojfi- 
cers were. The serjeant was forwarned on this 
point, and gave such answers as would more 
effectually mislead. After this examination he 

G-2 



7.8 CHAMPE. 

>vas consigned to the care of general Arnold, 
and by iiiin retained in his former rank. Wash- 
ington hoped and believed, that the trial of An- 
dre would occupy much time, and enable Cliam 
pe to accomplish his designs. That gallant offi- 
cer disdaining all subterfuge, completely foiled 
this hope, by broadly confessing the nature of 
his connection with Arnold. The commander 
in chief offered to exchange Andre for Arnold, 
a proposal sir Henry Clinton, for obvious mo- 
tives, declined. Had this gallant officer pro- 
tracted his trial, and the plot proved success- 
iul, the life of Andre would have been saved, 
not by the intrigues of sir Henry Clinton, but 
of Washington in his favor. The honest and 
precipitate intrepidity of the British officer, 
defeated this benevolent project, and no alter- 
native remained but a speedy death. The Ser- 
jeant, unfortunate as he was in this, was more 
successful in obtaining evidence the most full 
and satisfactory, that the suspicions resting on 
several American officers were foul calumnies, 
and a forgery of the enemy. He now deter- 
mined on making one bold attempt for the sei- 
zure of Arnold. Having been allowed, at all 
times, free access to Arnold, marked all liis 
habits and movements, he awaited only a fa- 
vorable opportunity for the execution of his 
project. He had ascertained that Arnold usu- 
ally retired to rest about twelve, and that pre- 
vious to this, he spent some time in a private 
garden, adjoining his quarters. He was there 
to jiave been seized, bound, and gagged, and 
under the pretext that he was a soldier in a 
state cf intoxication, to have been conveved 



CHAMPE. 79 

through bye paths, and iiususpeeted places, to 
a boat lying in readiness, in the river Hudson* 
Champe engaged two confederates, and major 
!Lcc, who co-operated in tlie plan, received 
timely intelligence of the night fixed on for its 
execution. At the appointed time, that officer, 
attended by a small party well mounted, laid 
in wait on the other side of the Hudson with 
two spare horses, one for Champe, and the 
other for Arnold. The return of daylight an- 
nounced the discomfiture of the plan, and Lee 
and his party returned to the camp with me- 
lancholy forebodings, that the life of the gal- 
lant Serjeant had been sacrificed to his zeal in 
the service of his country. Consoling however 
was the intelligence shortly after received from 
the confederates, that on the night preceding 
the one fixed on for Arnold's arrest, that offi- 
cer had shifted his quarters. It appeared that 
he was employed to superintend the embarka- 
tion of certain troops, composed chiefly of Ame- 
rican deserters, and it was apprehended, that 
unless they were removed from tlieir barracks, 
which were adjacent to the shore, many might 
seize that opportunity to escape. This attempt 
was never afterwards renewed. On the junc- 
tion of Arnold with lord Cornw allis, in Yirgi- 
nia, the serjeant found means to elude the vi- 
gilance of the British lines, and to reach in 
safety the army of general Greene. Having 
been furnished by that officer with the means 
of escaping to Washiugton's camp, he arrived 
there to the astonishment and joy of his old 
canfi^dcrates in arms. 



80 CHirrENDEN. 

When Washington assumed the command of 
the army under president Adams, he caused 
strict inquiry to be made for the man who had 
so honorably distinguished himself, intending 
to honor such tried fidelity with military pro- 
motion, and heard, to his great sorrow, that 
he had died but a short time before, in the 
state of Kentucky. These facts are taken and 
condensed from the interesting manuscript of 
major general Lee. 

CHITTENBEN, Thomas, first governor of 
Vermont, was born at East Guilford, Connec- 
ticut in 1730. He received a common school 
education, which at that period contributed but 
little to the improvement of the mind. By 
a regular advance he passed through the seve- 
ral grades in the militia to the command of a 
regiment. He many years represented the 
town, in which he lived, in the general assem- 
bly, and thus acquired that koov/ledge of pub- 
lic business, which afterwards rendered him 
eminently useful in Termont. 

In the controversy v/ith New York, he was 
a faithful adviser and a strong supporter of the 
feeble settlers. During the war of the Ameri- 
can revolution, while Warner, Allen, and many 
others were in the field, he was assiduously en- 
gaged in the council at home, where he ren- 
dered essential service to his country. He was 
a member of the convention, which on tlie 16th 
of January, 1777, declared Termont an inde- 
pendent state, and was appointed one of the 
committee to communicate to coii,a;ress the pro- 
ceedings of the inhabitants, and to solicit for 
their district an admission into the union of 



CHITTEKBEN. 81 

the Aiiicrican states. When the powers of 
governnieiit were assumed by this state, and a 
constitution was established in 1778, the eyes 
of tlie freemen were immediately fixed on Mr. 
Chittenden as their iirst magistrate. He was 
accordingly elected to tJiat arduous and diffi- 
cult office, and continued in it, one year only 
excepted, until his death. From the year 1780 
till the conclusion of the war, during a period, 
in which the situation of Vermont was peculi- 
arly perplexing, he displayed a consummate 
policy. The state was not acknowledged by 
the congress, and they were contending on the 
one hand for independence, and on the other 
hand they were threatened by the British 
forces from Canada. A little management was 
necessary to promote the interests of this dis- 
trict. A correspondence was opened with the 
enemy, who were flattered for several years 
with the belief, that the people of Term out 
were about to subject themselves to the king 
of England ; and thus a meditated invasion of 
the territory was averted, and the prisoners 
were restored. At the same time, the possi- 
bility that Vermont would desert the cause of 
America was held up to congress, and by this 
means probably the settlers w ere not required 
to submit to the claims of Hew York. Such 
was the politic course, which governor Chit- 
tenden thought it necessary to pursue. 

He enjoyed very good health until about a 
year before his death. In (Jctober 1796, he 
jook an affecting leave of liis compatriots in 
the general assembly, imploring the benedic- 
tion of heaven cm ihciv. and their constituents. 



$2 CLINTON. 

He dietl August Si> 1797, aged sixty sevcu 
rears. 

Governor Chittenden, tiiougli an illiterate 
man, possessed great talents. His discernment 
was keen, and no person knew better liow to 
ef&ct great designs, than himself. Though 
his open frankness was sometinies abused, yet 
when secrecy was required in order to accom- 
plish his purposes, no misplaced confidence made 
tJiem liable to be defeated. His negociations 
during th^j war were master strokes of policy. 
He possessed a peculiar talent in reconciling 
the jarring interests ainong the people. The 
important services, which he rendered to his 
country, and especially to Yermont, make his 
name worthy of honorable remembrance. He 
lived to see astonishing changes in the district, 
which was almost a wilderness, when he first 
removed to it Instead of his little band of 
associates, lie could enumerate a hundred thou- 
sand persons, whose interests were entrusted 
to his care. He saw them rising superior to 
oppression, braving the horrors of a foreign 
war, and finally obtaining a recognition of their 
independence, and an admission into the Uni- 
ted States of Amejiea. 

CLINTON, Geoege, late Yice President of 
the United States, descended from a worthy 
and respectable family in the county of Oi-ange. 
and state of New York. His father was a 
judge and commanded a regiment. 

In early youth he v/as put to the law, and 
long before he became a man he rallied undei- 
the standard of his country, and assisted Am- 
herst in the reduction of Montreal. In this 



CLINTON. 83 

campaign, he nobly distinguished himself in a 
conflict on the northern waters, where with 
four gun boats, after a severe engagement, he 
captured a French brig of 18 guns. 

War being ended, he returned again to his 
favorite pursuit, the science of the law, and 
placed himself under the tuition of Justice 
Smith, where he became a student with Go- 
verneur Morris. 

He had scarcely commenced as a practi- 
tioner, when in 1765, the storm appeared to 
gather round liis native land, and the tyrannic 
disposition of the mother country was mani- 
fested. Foreseeing the evil at hand, with a 
mind glowing with patriotism, correct and 
quick as lightning in its perceptions ; and like 
time, steady and fixed to the achievement of 
its object, he abandoned the advantages of the 
profession to which he had been educated, and 
became a member of the Colonial Legislature ; 
where he ever displayed a love of liberty, an 
inflexible attachment to the rights of his 
country, and tbat undaunted firmness and in- 
tegrity, without which tJiis nation never would 
have been free ; and which has ever formed 
the most brilliant, but though by no means the 
most useful trait of his character. In this si- 
tuation he remained, contending against the 
doctrines of British supremacy; and, with 
great strength of argument, and force of popu- 
larity, supporting the rights of America till 
the crisis arrived, when in 1775, he was return- 
ed a member of the patriotic Congress, who 
laid the foundation of our independence. — 
While in that venerable body, which is never 



S4b CLINTOX. 

to be iorgotten, and can never l)c sufficiently 
admired, it may be said of liim Avith truth* 
that " he strengthened the feeUe Inices and the 
hands that hung down,^' 

In 1776, he ^vas appointed Brigadier Gene- 
ral of the troops of his native state, and in the 
same year received from Congress an jippoint- 
ment of the same rank, in the national service. 
^vhieh he held during the war. 

In 1777, he was appointed by Congress to 
command the posts of the highlands, a most 
important and arduous duty. The design of 
the enemy was to separate New England from 
the rest of the union, and by preventing tiie 
succor of the east, to lay waste the middle 
and the southern country. Had this plan been 
carried into eifect, American liberty would 
probably have expired in its cradle. 

It was then that tliis vast and comprclicn- 
sive genius viewed in its true light the magni- 
tude of tlie evil contemplated; and he roused 
to a degree of energy unknown and unexpected. 
It was then that llurgoyne Avas, with the best 
appointed army, ever seen in America, attempt- 
ing to force his way to Albany, and Howe was 
<indeavoring to effect a connexion with him at 
that important place. 

The crisis was all important and awfu! — 
Clinton by being elected governor, had just be- 
come the father of the people — the only alter- 
native left him was to preserve those commit- 
ted to his care, or at their sacrifice, to prevent 
this junction and save the nation. He did not 
hesitate — In an instant he resolved, and his re- 
solutions were as iirm as the decrees of h?a- 



CLINTO>^ 85 

veu. H6 determineil at all hazards to save 
the country. With this view, when Howe at- 
tempted to ascend the river, Clinton from eve^ 
ry height and angle assailed him. Howe, dri- 
ven hj madness and a temper of revenge, in- 
considerately landed and marched into the 
country, and immortalized his name hy hurtl- 
ing Kingston and other villages. The hardy 
sons of tlie north assembled under the immor- 
tal Gates — the junction was prevented — Bur- 
goyne and his army were taken, America was 

TREE. 

We shall now submit to public perusal, the 
following account of his civil character and 
-employment: 

From the capture of Burgoyne for eighteen 
years in succession, he remained the governor 
of New York ; elected to that important sta- 
tion by a generous and wise people, who knew 
how to appreciate his wisdom and virtue, 
and their own blessings. During this period 
he was President of the convention of that 
state, which ratified the national constitution : 
whereas in all other situations, he undeviat- 
ingly manifested an ardent attachment to civil 
liberty. 

For the benefit of posterity, it may be well 
to descend to a few strong characteristics of 
his administration of the state government. 

A riot as violent and extensive in in^oportion 
as that of Lord George Gordon, in London, 
broke out in New York. The untarnished 
hero mingled with the mob to prevent excess, 
and allay the passions of the multitude. Ten- 
der of the lives of a misguided populace, for 

1£ 



86 CLINTON. 

two clays he submitted himself to this all lifl- 
portant service, and prevented the subversion 
of private as well as public rights, and the des- 
truction of private property. Perceiving that 
the passions of the people w ere not to be allay- 
ed, the tenderness of a father yielded to the 
duties of a magistrate, and those who by his 
remonstrances he could not soften, by his ener- 
gy and power, he instantly subdued. 

In 1786, a rebellion that threatened a revo- 
lution broke out in Massachusetts — the rebels 
were discomfited, and in large bodies fled to 
Ircbanon, in New York ; a place distant 150 
miles from the city, which was then the seat 
of government, and where then was governor 
Clinton. Of this event he was informed. Not 
foreseeing the evil, the legislature (which was 
then in session) had not provided for the emer- 
gency, and the executive Avas without power ; 
but so great was the confidence of the legisla- 
ture, and so powerful his energy, that in less 
Ihan three days he appeared on the spot witli 
two regiments of troops, and a competent court 
of Justice, and all proper and neccssai^ cha- 
racters attendant ; and in less than twelve 
hours the rebel army was dispersed, the faulty 
magistrates dismissed, and the ciTenders brought 
to punishment. 

When he assumed the reins of government 
in New York, the state was infested vviih many 
wealthy and potent tories. Few (if not he 
alone) were brave enough to assume the res- 
ponsibility : the state had but a spare and 
meagre population on the North River, with 
some trifling settlements on the Moliawk, It 



CLINTON. 87 

ranked below mediocrity, Avliile it may now 
Justly rank among the lirst states in the union. 
In this situation lie undertook to discharge the 
duties of the executive, and it may justly, in a 
great measure, be attributed to the bold perse- 
vering, liberal, and digiiified policy of this en- 
lightened and able statesman, that New York 
has risen to so much importance. 

To him it was owing, that in the revolution 
the tory party did not prevail in New York. 

It was his noble and dignified policy that 
furnished the hardy yeomanry of the east, not 
only with farms on a ten years credit, but a 
money capital to bring them to a state of cul- 
tivation. An act which docs equal justice to 
his head and to his heart. 

It was he who devised the plans of finance 
which have placed the citizens fjeyond the calls 
of the tax gatherer ; and furnished for them 
an actual fund of near four millions. lie may 
justly be called the fatl*cr of that people. 

It was he who after having strove, in obe- 
dience to the law of this state, to unite Ver- 
mont with New Y'ork, generously controuled 
his resentment, and effected her admission as a 
state into the union. 

After a life of his labor and of usefulness 
faintly portrayed ; worn with fatigues of duty, 
with disease which then afflicted him, and with 
those calamities which are too commonly inci- 
dent to life ; having led his state to eminent, 
if not unrivalled importance and prosperity, he 
retired from public life with a mind resolved 
ns)t to mingle imnccessarily with governnientaL 



B8 CLI^iTON. 

concerns, and to taste those sweets Avliieh result 
from reflecting on a life well spent. 

From this state he was roused by a sense of 
duty, when the struggle came between the po- 
litical parties of the nation. He had suifered 
too much for liberty and freedom of opinioriy 
to see them expire Avithout any effort on his 
part. He loved retirement ; but he loved his 
country more. 

Those called federalists, contended for rules 
and maxims of civil government, believed by 
the republicans (among whom was governor 
Clinton) to be dangerous to civil liberty. 

It was impossible for the great father of 
New York to remain an idle spectator of these 
contests — the republican party wanted his aid 
— ^his country which had always been dearer to 
him than any thing else, demanded his services, 
and he listened to her voice. 

It was the wish of the republicans to place 
him by the side of Jefferson ; aM accordingly 
a deT|;)utation was sent to him at N^.yf York. 
He highly prized the honors of his coutjtry ; 
but believing that in an humble station he 
could then render her more important services 
than in one elevated with that dignity and love 
of country which had governed all his actions, 
he generously declined the offer. 

The republican candiates were selected. It 
w as known that they could not succeed without 
the aid of the state of New York, and without 
success to the republican ticket in the city — ■ 
and that ticket could not succeed without the 
name and influence of George Clinton. Of 
course, the elevation of Thomas Jefferson^i 



CrLINTON. 89 

which every republican so ardently desired, 
eould not take place, unless the patriot Clin- 
ton, vilio had refused the Vice Presidency, 
^vould accept of the station of a representa- 
tive in the state legislature. 

Again the patriot did not hesitate — he sa- 
crificed his domestic quiet to the sense of duty^ 
ami the wishes of his country. He became a 
member of the legislature — with him were 
carried the other members of the ticket j and 
TJiomas Jefferson Avas made President. 

In 1801, he was again elected governor, and 
completed the reformation of politics in his 
native state. In 180i<, the people having lost 
tlieir confidence in colonel Burr, the vice-pre- 
sident — to produce unanimity and restore har- 
mony to the republic, governor Clinton was 
elected vice president, by the same number of 
votes that elevated Mr. .Tefferson to the presi- 
dency : in Avhicli station he discharged its du- 
ties with unremitted attention and universal 
satisfaction. 

A dangerous schism took place among the 
])cople of New York in the spring of 1807, as 
in their gubernatorial election, and governor 
Clinton's name was brought into the contest. 
He was then attending a sick daugliter at 
Washington. He spoke to the people of New 
York — they recollected the voice of their be- 
loved chief, and the murmur of discontent was 
silenced. 

Of all'the revolutionary heroes and 'worthies 

to him alone was entrusted the government of 

a state and a command in the regular army. — 

Nature gave him a clear and strong mind, whicjfe 

m2 



90 CLINTON. 

had be6n highly cultivated. He was wise from 
experience, and age had not impaired his intel- 
lect. He died what he had always been, an 
ardent friend to liberty, attached to the rights 
of the American people in their various classi- 
fications — devoted only to his CDuntry's good, 
invariable and inflexible* 

This distinguished patriot, statesman and 
sage, fell at his post, like the great and good 
Chatham, in the city of Washington, on the 
twentieth day of April, one thousand eight 
hundred and twelve ; after an illness of about 
four weeks continuance. He descended to the 
grave full of years and full of honors. The 
future historian, when party shall be stripped 
of her passions and her prejudices, will delight 
to honor the memory of George Clinton, who 
in the service of his country both in the field 
and in the cabinet, during the course of a long, 
active and virtuous life, ranked second only to 
the illustrious and immortal Washington. 

One of the last acts of his life, was the rejec- 
tion, by his vote as Presicent of the Senate of 
the United states, of the late Bank of the Unit-^ 
ed States. The Senate was equally divided 
on the question, and he gave the casting vote 
against the renewal. 

In order that tlie public may have an oppor- 
tunity of judging of the motives which actuated 
him on this important subject, the editor of the 
present work thinks it proper to give those rc- 
inarks which he delivered immediately prccea- 
ing his vote. 

He ohierved — 



CLINTON. QX 

*f Gentlemen, 

*' As the object on which I am called upon 
to decide, has excited general sensibility, I 
must solicit the indulgence of the senate, 
whilst I briefly state the reasons which in- 
fluence my judgment. 

" Permit me to inform you that the question 
to be decided does not depend simply upon the 
rights of Congress to establish under the modi- 
fication, a Bank ; but upon their power to es- 
tablish a national bank, as contemplated by 
this bill ,• in other words, can they create a 
body politic and corporate, not constituting a 
part of the government, nor otherwise respon- 
sible to it,, but by forfeiture of charter, and 
bestow on the members, privileges, immunities 
and exemptions, not recognized by the laws of 
the states, nor enjoyed by the citizens gene- 
rally ? It cannot be doubted but that Congress 
may pass all necessary and proper laws for car- 
rymg into execution the powers specifically 
granted to the government, or to any depart- 
ment or oflSice thereof, but in doing so the 
means must be suited and subordinate to the 
end. The power to create corporations is not 
expressly granted. It is a high attribute of 
sovereignty, and in its nature not accessorial 
or derivative by implication, but primary and 
independent. 

<* I cannot believe that this interpretation of 
the constitution will, in any degree, defeat the 
purposes for which it was formed ; on the con- 
trary, it does appear to me, that the opposite 
exposition has an inevitable tendency to con- 
solidation, and afibrds just and serious cause 



9^ CLXNTON. 

of alarm. In the course of a long life, I have 
found that government is not to he strengthen- 
ed hy an assumption of douhtful powers, hut hy 
a wise and energetic execution of those which 
are incontestihle. The former never fails to 
produce suspicion and distrust, whilst the latter 
inspires respect and confidence. 

" If, however, after a fair experiment, the 
power vested in the government, shall he foimd 
incompetent to the attainment of the ohject, 
for which it was instituted, the constitution 
happily furnishes the means for remedying the 
evil hy amendment ; and I have no douht, that 
in such an event, on an appeal to the patrio- 
tism and good sense of the community, it will 
be wisely applied. 

<• I will not trespass upon the patience of tlie 
senate, any longer than to say from the best 
examination I have been able to give th<i sub- 
ject, I am constrained by a sense of duty to 
decide in the affirmative^ that is, that the first 
section of the bill be struck out." 

The day after his dissolution, in tlie house 
of Representatives of the United States, on 
motion of Mr. Tallmage, it was unanimously 
resolved, *• that from the unfeigned respect 
due to tlie late Vice President, George Clin- 
ton, the speaker's cliair be shrouded with black 
for the remainder of tlie session, and that the 
members of the house wear crape on their left 
arm for thirty days." A similar resolution 
was adopted in the Senate. 

The funeral moved from the front door of 
the Senate-chamber, precisely at four o'clock, 
P. M. attended by the President of the United 



COOPEB, 53 

States ; members of both houses of Congress ; 
heads of departments ; officers of government, 
and a very large concourse of citizens and 
strangers. The military attended to perform 
the honors of war, and the inhabitants evinced 
their respect and regret for the departed pa- 
triot, by shutting up their dwellings, stores, 
&c. during the day. 

COOPER, Samuel, B. D. one of the most 
celebrated divines and politicians of New Eng* 
land, was born March 28, 1725. 

When he was young he discovered genius 
^nd taste, and was a fine classical scholor be- 
fore he entered college. At the seat of the 
muses he composed in poetry and prose in a 
style beyond his years. He had charming ora- 
torical powers, which he displayed on several 
occasions before the public. As his memory 
was very tenacious he could at any time repeat 
the orations he then delivered ; the style was 
rather Virgilian than an imitation of the Ro- 
man orator. Horace and Virgil were his fa^. 
vorite authors of the ancient classieks ; Addi- 
son and Atterbury of latter days. He was 
graduated at Harvard College, 1743. 

His religious sentiments were liberal, and he 
was a friend to free enquiry. In discoursing 
upon religious topics in conversation he disco- 
vered the same elegance and propriety of 
speech which distinguished his pulpit exercises-. 
He had fine colloquial talents and would have 
made a great figure in speaking extempore, had 
he used himself to it in a public assembly. — 
His erudition was rather extensive than deep, 
but his ready mind, fine brilliant imagination^ 



94 COOPER. 

and quickness of recollection enabled liii$i to 
shine in company >vhere greater scholars, and 
much more profound tlieologians, listened to 
hear him, to whom, however, he would give up 
an opinion, when they thought it not correct. 
If in any thing he was obstinate in his own 
sentiments, it was upon the politics of the day. 
His eulogist handsomely describes this part of 
his chai'acter, so that no one can object to his 
becoming a politician. ** He well knew that 
tyranny opposes itself to religious as well as 
civil liiferty ; and being among the first who 
perceived the injustice and ruinous tendency 
of the British court, which at length obliged 
the Americans to defend their rights with the 
sword, this reverend patriot was among thd 
first who took an early and decided part in 
the politicks of his country." 

He was, however, a political v/riter earlier 
in life than any threatening of British thraU 
dom. In the year 175 i, he wrote the Crisis^ 
a pamphlet against the cvcise act, which our 
general court contemplated. He certainly 
was at all all times a leading character among 
the American whigs. And from the time of 
the stamp act to the revolutionary Mar, some 
of the bdst political i)ieees in the Boston Ga- 
zette were the effusions of his pen. The let- 
ters from governor Hutchinson to Whately, 
which were printed in Boston, were sent to Dr. 
Cooper; whether by Dr. Franklin or Mr. 
Temple is not ascertained. They were put 
into his hands to read, to communicate to cer- 
tain friends, but under a strict injunction not to 
have thcn[i published. They were published 



COOPER. 19^ 

iiy a gentleman to whom they >¥ere communi- 
cated upon his promise of returning them " un- 
copied." The Doctor was not to blame, and 
was much grieved at the consequences of the 
publication, whicli were a duel between Mr. 
Whately and Mr. Temple, and loss ©f Ihe 
office of postmaster-general to Dr. FraRklin.— 
Mr. Temple was never satisfied with the apo- 
logy of Dr. Cooper for what he thought a 
breach of confidence. 

In the spring of 1775, Dr. Cooper, with other 
patriots, was lampooned by the British officers 
in an oration pronounced in Boston. He af- 
terwards met with insults, and it was happy 
for him that he left the town before Lexington 
battle, as he was very obnoxious to the autho- 
rity then in Boston. He was a warm friend to 
the independence of his country, 1776 ; and 

i joined heartily in promoting the alliance 
with France. Tlie great friendship subsisting 
between him, Dr. Franklin and IMr. Adams, 
was one means of his being known in France ; 
and tlie gentlemen coming from that kingdom 
were generally recommended to him by those 
ambassadors. When the fleets of his most 
Christian Majesty adorned our harbors, he was 
always the confidential friend of the gentlemen 
who commanded ; and many officers and sub- 
jects of that august monarch were received by 
him with great cordiality that was pleasing, 
and highly endeared him to them. 

He enjoyed his vigor of mind, his activity, 
and his cheerfulness till he was seized with 
his last illness ; this was an apoplectic turn, 
which continued only a few days. He expired 
December 23;, 1783. 

\ 



96 t;USHIKG. 

CUSHING, Thomas, 1.. L. D. lieutcn&nt^ 
governor of the commonwealth of Massachu- 
setts, was horn in the year 1725, and comple- 
ted his academical education, at the university 
of Camhridge, in his native state. 

While he was very young, the town of Boston 
called him to fill some of its most respectable 
offices, and delegated him as its representative 
to the general court. In this situation, his pa- 
triotism, his abilities, and his faculty in dis- 
patching business, led the house of Assembly 
to chose him their speaker, a place which had 
for many years been filled by his father with 
great reputation. While he was in the chair, 
the contest with Great Britain ripened to a 
conclusion, and the station he held not only 
called out his exertions in the service of his 
country, but rendered him known, wherever 
the cause of America was patronized, and in- 
ileed throughout the European world. Of the 
two first continental congresses, which laid a 
foundation for the independence and happiness 
of this country, he was a judicious and an 
active member. On his return to his own state, 
he was chosen a member of the council, which 
then constituted its supreme executive. He 
was also appointed judge of the courts of com- 
mon pleas, and of probate in the county of Suf- 
folk, which stations he held until the adoption 
of the present constitution, when he was called 
to the office of lieutenant-governor, in which 
he continued until his death. 

Under arbitrary, or monarchical govern- 
ments, a man's being appointed to, or continued 
In an ofllce, is no certain evidence of his being 



q-u'aliiled for it ; but in governments, free like 
ours, the appointment of a person for a long 
course of years together, to guard the inter- 
ests of the people, and to transact their im- 
portant affairs, is the most incontestible i)roof 
of his abilities and integrity. Tliis observation 
Avas verified in Mr. Cushiug. He thoroughly 
understood the interest of h4s country, and 
meant invariably to pnrsiie thcm>. Vej-y fo^ 
men knew better than he, how to predict the 
consequences of the public conduct— to balanee 
contending parties— to remove difficulties — 
and to unite separate and divided interests. — 
Ilis life was a state of constant exertion in thti 
service of his country ; its happiness was deaf 
to liim in health ,* it lay near his heart in his 
last moments ; and, v.hile he expressed a sa- 
tisfaction in having honestly and uprightly, iu 
eT<iry department he had filled, aimed at doing 
good, he manifested the most tender solicitude, 
ibr the peace and prosperity of America. 

There was a time when Mr, Gushing was 
considered in Great Britain as the leader of 
t^ie whigs in this country. He was not es- 
teemed so in Boston. He had less political 
'.xcal than Otis, or Adams, or Hancock ,• but 
"!>y his pleasant temper, his moderation, his 
conversing with men of different parties, 
though he sometimes was lashed by their 
strokes for want of firmness, he obtained more 
influence than either, except Mr. Hancock. — 
The reason of his being known so much in the 
mother country was, that his name was signed 
to all the public papers, as speaker of the 
holRe. Hence he was sometimes exposed iff 
I 



y> BARKE. 

flic sarcasms of the ministerial ^viitcrs. la 
Ihc pamphlet of Dr. Johnson, called, " Taxa- 
tion no Tyranny," one object of the Americans 
is said to be, ** to adorn the brows of Mr. 

C g with a diadem." lie had a rank 

among the patriots, as a sincere friend to the 
public good, and he was also a friend to religion, 
which he manifested by a constant attendance 
upon ail pious institutions. 

Mr. Gushing had a iirm constitution, but 
was subject to the gout. It was this disorder, 
which deprived his country of his abilities, jat 
a time, when an important change w as agita- 
ting in her political fabric. On the 19th of 
February, 1788, he was attacked by the gout 
in his breast, and, on the 28th of the same 
month, he died in the 63d year of his age, 
liaving had the satisfaction to sec the new fe- 
deral constitution ratified, by the coftYcntion of 
Massachusetts, a few days before his death. 

DARKE, William, a brave officer during 
the American war, was born in Philadelphia 
county in 1736, and when a boy accompanied 
liis parents to Yirginia. In the nineteenth 
year of his age he joined the army under ge- 
neral Braddock, and shared in the dangers of 
his defeat in 1755. In the beginning of the 
war with Great Britain lie accepted a cap- 
tain's commission, and served with great repu- 
tation till the close of the war, at which time 
he, held the rank of major. In 1791 he receiv- 
ed from congress the command of a regiment 
in the army under general St. Clair, and bore 
a distinguished part in the unfortunate battle 
with tlie Indians on tl^c fourth of Novcn^bcr 



DATIDSOIV. 91^ 

iu the same year. In this battle .]ie lost a fa- 
vorite son, and narrowly escaped with bis ovrn 
life. In his retirement during his remaining 
years ho enjoyed tlie confidence of the state, 
>vhich had adopted him, and was honored wiih 
tlie rank oF mujor 4!,encral of the iviilitia. IIo 
died at liis seat, in Jefferson county, November 
26, 1801, in the sixty sixth year of his age. 

DAVIDSON, WiLXiAM, lieutenant colonel 
commandant in the North Carolina line, and 
brigadier general in the militia of that state, 
was the youngest son of George Davidson, who 
rqmoved with his family from Lancaster coun- 
ty, in Pennsylvania, in the year 1750, to Rowaii 
county, in North Carolina. 

William was born in the year 1746, and was 
educated in a plain country manner at an aca- 
demy in Charlotte, the county town of MeeU- 
Icnhurg, whicli adjoins Rowan. 

Like most of the enterprising yoirth of Ame- 
rica, Davidson repaired to the standard of his 
eountry on the commencement of our war, and 
was appointed a major in one of the first regi- 
ments formed by the government of North Car 
rolina. 

In this character he marched with the Nordi 
Carolina line under Brigadier general Nash to 
the main army in New Jersey, where he serv- 
ed un !er the commander in chief, until the 
North Carolina liite was detached in November, 
1779, to reinforce the southern army, com- 
manded by major general Lincoln. Previous 
to this event, Major Davidson was promoted to 
the command of a regiment with the rftnK of 
lieuteannt colo\jel commandant. 



100 DAVIDSOjK. 

As lie passed through North Carolina, Da- 
yidson obtained permission to visit his family, 
from which he had been absent nearly three 
years. The delay produced by this visit saved 
him from captivity, as he found Charleston so 
closely invested when he aridved in its neigh- 
borhood, as to prevent his rejunction with his 
i;egiment. 

Soon after the surrender of general Lincoln 
and his army, the loyalists of North Carolina, 
not doubting the complete success of the royal 
forces, began to embody themselves for the 
purpose of contributing their active aid in the 
field to the subsequent operations of the Bri- 
tish general. Tliey were numerous in the 
western parts of the state, and especially in 
the Highland settlement abaut Cross creek.^ — 
liieutenant colonel Davidson put himself at th& 
head of some of our militia, called out to quell 
the expected insurrection. He proceeded with 
vigor in the execution of his trust ; and in an 
engagement with a party of loyalists near Cal- 
3on's mill, he was severely wounded ; the ball 
entered the umbilical region and passed through 
his body near the kidneys. This confined him 
for eight weeks ; when recovering he instantly 
took the field, having been recently appointed 
brigadier general by the government of North 
Carolina, in the place of brigadier general Ku- 
therford, taken at the battle of Camden. He 
exerted himself in conjunction with general 
Sumner and colonel Davie, to interrupt the 
l^rogrcss of lord Cornwallis in his advance to- 
wards SaUsbiiry, and throughout that eventfui 



DAVmSON. 101 

period, gave unceasing cvidenees of liis zeal 
and firmness in upholding his falling country. 
, After t/ic victory ohtained by Morgan at tlie 
Cowpens, Davidson was among the uiost active 
of his countrymen in assembling the militia of 
his district, to enable general Greene, who 
liad joined the light corps under Morgan, to 
stop the progress of the advancing enemy, and 
was detached by general Greene on the night 
of the last day of January to guard the very 
ford selected by lord Cornwallis for his passage 
of tlie Cutawba river on the next morning. — 
Davidson possessed himself of the post in the 
nigfit at the liead of three hundred men ; and 
having placed a picquet near the shore, sta- 
tioned iiis corps at some small distance from 
the ford. 

General Henry I^ee, from whose << memoirs 
of the war in the Southern department of tlic 
United States," we copy the presant sketch of 
General Davidson, gives the foUowing account 
of the rencontre : 

"A disposition was immediately made to 
dislodge Davidson, which the British general, 
O'llara, with the guards elfected. Lieutenant 
Colonel Hall led with the light company, fol- 
lowed by tlic grenadiers. The current was 
rapid, the stream waist deep, and five hundred 
yards in width. The soldiers crossed in pla- 
toons, supporting each other's steps. When 
lieutenant colonel Hall reached the middle of 
the river, he Avas descried by the American 
centinels, whose challenge and fire brought 
Davidson's corps into array. Deserted by his 
guide, Hall passed directly across, not kio^Y'- 
^2 



1052 DAVIDSON. 

ing the iandjng place, wbieli lay below hiin.^— 
This deviatioii from the common course ren- 
dered it necessary for Davidson to incline to 
the right ; but thiis manoeuvre, although 
promptly performed, was not cffticted until 
the light infantry had gained the shore. A 
fierce conflict ensued, which was weir support- 
ed by Davidson and his inferior force. The 
militia at length yielded, and Davidson, while 
mounting his horse to direct the retreat, was 
killed. The corps dispersed, and sought safety 
in the woods. Our loss was small, excepting 
general Davidson, an active, zealous and influ- 
ential officer. The British lieutenant colonel 
IlaH was also killed, with three of the light 
infan-try, and thirty six werc wounded. Lord 
Cornwallis's horse was shot under him and feli 
as soon as he got upon the shore. Leslec's 
horses were carried down the stream, and with 
difficulty saved ; and O'Hara's tumbled over 
with him in the water." 

The loss of brigadier general Davidson would 
have always been felt in any stage of the war. 
It was particularly deterimental in its effect at 
this period, as he was the chief instrument re- 
lied upon by general Greene for the assemblage 
of the militia ; an event all important at this 
crisis, and anxiously desired by the American 
general. The ball passed through his breast, 
and he instantly fell dead. 

This promising soldier was thus lost to his 
country in the meridian of life, and at a mo- 
meut when his services would have been highly 
beneficial to her. He was a man of popular- 
manners, pleasing address, active and indefiati- 



BAY^rON. 105 

gal>le. Enamored viiih the profession of arms, 
and devoted to the great cause for ^\hieh he 
fonglit, his future usefulness may he inferred 
from his former conduct. 

The congress of the United States, in grati- 
tude for his services, and in commemoration of 
their sense of his worth, passed the following 
resolution directing the erection of a monu- 
ment to his memory. 

Resolved, That the governor and council of 
the state of North Carolina be desired to erect 
a monument, at the expense of the United 
States, not exceeding the value of five hundred 
ilollars, to the memory of the late brigadier 
general Davidson, who commanded the militia 
of the district of Salisbury, in the state of 
Xorth Carolina, and was killed on the first day 
of February last, fighting gallantly in the de- 
fence of the liberty and independence of these 
states. 

DAYTON, Elias, a brave friend of his 
country, died at Philadelphia in July 1S07, in 
the seventy first year of his age. At the com- 
mencement of the American revolution, though 
in the enjoyment of every domestic blessing, 
he took an active part, and never quitted the 
tented iiehl till the consummation of indepen- 
dence. He was open, generous, and sincere ; 
ardent in his friendship ; scrupulously uprights 
in manners easy, unassuming^, and pleasant ; 
prompt and diffusive in Ms charities ; and also 
a warm supporter of the gospel. At the time 
of his death he held the office of major geiiie- 
ral% 



m DEANE. 

DEANE, Silas, minister of the Vmied 
States to the court of France, was a native of 
Groton, Connecticut, and was graduated at 
Yale college in 1758. He was a member of 
the first congress, which met in 1774'. In 1776 
he was deputed to France as a political and 
commercial agent, and he arrived at Paris in 
June with instructions to sound the disposition 
of the cabinet on the controversy with Great 
Britain, and to endeavour to obtain supplies of 
military stores. In September it was agreed 
to appoint ministers to negociate treaties with 
foreign powers, and Dr. Franklin and Mr. Jef- 
ferson were elected to join Mr. Dcane in 
France. But Mr. Jefferson declining the ap- 
pointment, Mr. Arthur Lee, then in London, 
was chosen in his place. It is remarkable, 
that the delegates of Connecticut did not vote 
for Mr. Deane. In December the three com- 
missioners met at Paris. Though Mr. Deanc 
assisted in negociating the treaty with his most 
christian majesty, yet he had very little to re- 
commend him to the high station, in which he 
w as placed. He was instructed to engage not 
exceeding four engineers, and he Avas most pro- 
fuse in his promise of offices of rank to induce 
French gentlemen to come to America. Con- 
gress being embarrassed by his contracts, was 
under the necessity of recalling him November 
21, 1777, and Mr. John Adams was appointe<l 
in his place. He left Paris April 1, 1778. Af- 
ter his arrival in this country, he was desired 
to give an account of his transactions on the 
floor of Congress, but he did not remove all 
suspicions of living misuppiied the public mt- 



BICKINSOIV. i^B 

nies. lie eraded the scrutiny hy pleading, 
that his papers were in Europe. To divert 
the public attention from himself, he in De- 
cember published a manifesto, in which he av- 
raigned, before the bar of the public, the con- 
duct, not only of those concerned in foreign 
negociations, but of the members of congress 
themselves. In 1784 he published an addresfe 
to the citizens of the United States, complain- 
ing of the manner in which he had been treated. 
He went soon afterwards to Europe, and at 
last, reduced to extreme poverty, died in a mi- 
serable condition at Deal in England, August' 
'23, 1789. 

DICKINSON, John, a distinguished political 
^writer and friend of his country, was the son 
of Samuel Dickinson, esquire, of Delaware. — 
He was a member of the assembly of Penn- 
sylvania in 1764, and of the general congress 
IB 1765. In November 1767 he began to pub- 
lish his celebrated letters against the acts of 
the British parliament, laying duties on paper, 
glass, &c. They supported the liberties of 
his country, and contributed much to the Ame- 
rican revolution. He was a member of the 
first congress in 1774, and the petition to the 
king, which was adopted at this time, and is 
considered as an elegant composition, was writ- 
ten by him. In June 1776 he opposed openly 
and upon principle the declaration of indepen- 
dence, when the motion was considered by 
Congress. His arguments were answered by 
.»Tohn Adams, who advocated a separation from 
Great Britain. The part, which Mr. Dickin- 
son took in this debate, occasioned his reeal 



106 DICKINSON. 

from congress, as his constituents did not coin," 
eide with him in political views, and he was 
absent several years. Perceiving at length, 
that his countrymen were unalterably fixed in 
their system of independence, lie fell in with i(, 
and was as zealous in supporting it in congress 
about the year 1780, as any of the members. 
He was president of Pennsylvania from No- 
vember 1782 to October 1785, and was suc- 
ceeded in this office by Dr. Fianklin. Soon 
after 1785, it is believed, he removed to Dela- 
ware, by which state he was appointed a mem- 
ber of the old congress, and of which state he 
was president. He died at Wilmington, Feb- 
ruary 15, 1808, at an advanced age. He filled 
with ability the various high stations, in which 
he was placed. He was distinguished by his 
strength of mind, miscellaneous knowledge, 
and cultivated taste, which were united with a 
habitual eloquence, with an elegance of man- 
ners, and a benignity, which made him the de- 
light as well as the ornament of society. The 
infirmities of declining years had detached him 
long before his death, from the busy scenes of 
life ; but in retirement his patriotism felt no 
abatement. The welfare of his country was 
ever dear to him, and he was ready to make 
any sacrifices for its promotion. Unequivocal 
ill his attachment to a republican government, 
he invariably supported, as far as his voice 
could have influence, those men and those mea- 
sures, which he believed most friendly to re- 
publican principles. He was esteemed for his 
uprightness and the purity of his morals. — 
From a letter, which he wrotp to the honora* 



BlCIvtNSON-^BRAYTON. lQ,r 

hie James Warren, esquire, dated llie twenty 
iifth of the iirst month, 1805, it would seem, 
that lie was a member of the society of 
friends. He published a speech delivered in 
the house of Assembly of Pennsylvania, 176* ^ 
a reply to a speech of Joseph Galloway, 1765 ; 
late regulations respecting the colonies consi- 
dered, 1765 ; letters from a farmer in Penn- 
sylvania to tlie inhabitants of the British colo- 
nies, 1767 — 1768. Mr. Dickinson*s political 
writings were collected and published in two 
Yolumes Svo. 1801. 

DICKINSON, Philt Mox, a brave officer in 
the revolutionary war, died at his seat near 
Trenton, New Jersey, February 4, 1806, in tliC 
sixty ninth year of his age. He took an early 
and an active part in the struggle with Great 
Britain, and hazarded his ample fortune and 
his life in establishing our independence. In 
the memorable battle of Monmonth, at the 
head of the Jersey militia he exhibited the 
spirit and gallantry of a soldier of liberty. — 
After the establishment of the present national 
government he was a member of congress. In 
the various stations, civil and military, with 
which he was honored, general Dickinson dis- 
charged them with zeal, and uprightness, and 
ability. The last twelve or fifteen years of 
his life were spent in retirement, from public 
concerns. 

DRAYTON, William Henry, a political 
writer of considerable emineuce, was a native 
of South Carolina. He w as one of his majes- 
ty's justices in that province, when they made 
their last circuit in the spring of 1775, and the 



lOS DRAYTON. 

onl^ one born in America. In his cLaigc io 
the gratid jiiry he inculcated the same senti- 
ments in favor of liberty, which -were patro- 
nized by the popular leaders. Soon after- 
wavds he was elected president of the provin- 
cial congress, and devoted his great abilities 
with uncommon zeal for the support of the 
measures adopted by his native country. Be- 
fore the next circuit his colleagues were ad- 
vertised as inimical te the liberties of America, 
ami he was not long aft«r appoint-ed chief jus- 
tice by the voice of his country. He died in 
Philadelphia in 1779, while attending his duty 
fn congress, in the thirty seventh year of his 
age. In ±771b he wrote a pamphlet, addressed 
tt) the American congress, undf r the signature 
of a freeman, in whicJi he stated the grievances 
of America, and drew up a bill of American 
rights. He published his charge to the grand 
jury in April 1776, which breathes all the spi- 
rit and energy of the mind, which knows the 
value of freedom and is determined to support 
it. Ramsay in his history has published tliis 
charge entire. His speech in the general as- 
sembly of South Carolina on the articles of 
the confederation, was published in 1778. Se- 
veral t)ther productions of hi^ pen appeared, 
explaining the injured rights of his country, 
and encouraging his fellow citizens to vindicate 
them. He also wrote a history of the Ameri- 
can revolutipn, brought down to the year 1779, 
in three large volumes, which he intended to 
correct and publish, but was prevented by his 
d^ath. 



KLLSWORTH, Oiivek, l. i. «. chief jus- 
tice of the United States, was born at >Vind" 
sor, Connecticut, April 29, 1745, and was gra- 
duated at the college in New Jersey in ±766, 
He soon afterwards oommeneed the practice 
of the law, in wliich profession he attained an 
acknowledged eminence. His perceptions w ere 
unusually rapid, his reasoning clear and con- 
clusive, and his eloquence almost irresistible. 
In the year 1777 he was chosen a delegate to 
the continental congress. He found himself 
in a new sphere ; but his extraordinary powers 
did not fail him, and he met the exigencies of 
the times without shrinking. In 1780 he wns 
elected into the council of his native state, and 
he continued a member of that body till 178i, 
when he was appointed a judge of the superior 
court. In 1787 he was elected a member of the 
convention, which framed the federal constitu- 
tion. In an assembly, illustrious for talents, 
erudition, and patriotism, he held a distin- 
guished place. His exertions essentially aided 
in the production of an instrument, which, un- 
der the divine blessing, has been the main pil - 
lar of American prosperity and glory. He 
was immediately afterwards a member of the 
state convention, and contributed his efforts 
towards procuring the ratification of that in- 
strument. When the federal government was 
j organized in 1789, he was chosen a member of 
I the senate. This elevated station, which he 
'filled with his accustomed dignity, he occupied 
jtill in March 1796, he was nominated by pre- 
j sident Washington chief justice of the supreme 
leourt of the United States. Though his atten- 

I K 

! 



lio ELLSMORTH. 

lion liail been for many years abstracted from 
the study of the law, yet he presided in that 
higli court with the greatest reputation. The 
diligence, with which he discharged his official 
duties, could be equalled only by his inexhausti- 
ble patience. His charges to the jury were 
I'ich not only in legal principles but in moral 
sentiments, expressed in a simple, concise style, 
and delivered in a manner, which gave them a 
tenfold energy and impression. Towards the 
close of the year 1799, he was appointed by 
president Adams envoy extraordinary to France 
for the purpose of accommodating existing dif- 
ilculties, and settling a treaty with that nation. 
With much reluctance he accepted the appoint- 
OQient. In conjunction with governor Davie 
and Mr. Murray, his associates, he negociated 
a treaty, which, though it did not answer the 
just claims and expectations of the American 
public, Avas undoubtedly the best, that could be 
procured. Having accomplished the business 
of his embassy, he repaired to England for the 
benefit of the mineral waters, as his health had 
suffered much in his vo^^age to Europe. Con- 
vinced that his infirmities must incapacitate 
liim for the future discharge of his duties on 
the bench, he transmitted a resignation of his 
office of chief justice at the close of the year 
1800. On his return to Connecticut, his fel- 
low citizens, desirous of still enjoying the be- 
nefit of his extraordinary talents, elected him 
into the council ; and in May 1807 he was ap- 
pointed chief justice of the state. This office, 
iiowever, he declined from apprehension that 
lie could not long survive under the pressure of 



EUSTAOE. Ill 

hi:> distressing maladies, and of domestic afflic- 
tions. He died November 26, 1807 in the six- 
ty third year of his age. 

Ml". Ellsworth was admired as an accom-i 
plished advocate, an upright legislator, an able 
and impartial judge, a wise and incorruptible 
ambassador, and an ardent, uniform, and inde- 
fiatigable patriot, who devoted every faculty, 
every literary acquisition, and almost every 
hour of his life to his country's good. He 
moved for more than tliirty years in a most 
conspicuous sphere, unassailed by the shafts of 
slander. His integrity was not only unim- 
peached but unsusi)ected. In his debates in 
legislative bodies, lie was sometimes ardcut, 
but his ardor illuminated the subject. His 
purposes he pursued with firmness, indepen- 
dence, and intrepidity. In private life he was 
a model of social and personal virtue. He was 
just in his dealings, frank in his communica- 
tions, kind and obliging in his deportmenfr 
easy of access to all, beloved and respected by 
his neighbors and acquaintance. Amid the va- 
ried honors, accumulated upon him by his 
country, he was unassuming and humble. His 
dress, his equipage, and mode of living were 
regulated by a principle of republican econo- 
my ; but for the promotion of useful and bene- 
volent designs he communicated with readiness 
and liberality. The purity and excellence of 
his character are rare in any station, and in 
the higher walks of life are almost unknown. 

EUSTACE, John SkTey, a brave officer in 
the American war, entered into the service of 
his Gountry not long after the commencement 



112 FRAKKLIN. 

of the revolaticn, and continued one of her '^^ 
tive defenders till the conclusion of the contest. 
He served for some time as an aid-de-camp td 
general Lee, and afterwards as an aid-de-camp 
to general Greene. When the 'vvar was ended^ 
lie retired to Georgia, and was there admitted 
tf) the bar as an advocate. In that state he 
received the appointment of adjutant general. 
In the year 1794-, as he was fond of a military 
life, he went to France, and there received the 
appointment of a brigadier general, and was 
afterwards promoted and made a major gene- 
ral. In that rapacity he served the French 
iiation for some time. He commanded in 1797 
a division of tlie French army in Flanders. — 
In 1800 he returned again to his native coun- 
try and took up his residence in Orange county, 
JVcw York^ where he led a retired, studious 
life, till his death. He devoted to literature 
all the time, whi<ih the state of his health 
ivould permit. He died at Ncwburgh, August 
5J5, 1805, aged forty five years. 

FRANKLIN, Benjamix, li. d. a philoso- 
pher and statesman, was born in Boston, Janu- 
ary 17, 1706. His father, who was a native 
of England, was a soap-boiler and tallow- 
chandler in that town. At the age of eight 
years, he was sent to a grammar school, but 
at the age of ten his father required his servi- 
ces to assist him in his business. Two year» 
afterwards, he was bound as an apprentice to 
liis brother, who was a printer. In this em~ 
ployment he made great proficiency, and hav- 
ing a taste for books he devoted inucli of his 
"kisuve time to reading. So eager was he ia 



FRANKLIN. 11^ 

the pursuit of knoAvledge, that he frequently 
passed the greater part of the night in his stu- 
dies. He became expert in the Socratic mode 
of reasoning by asking questions, and thus he 
sometimes embarrassed persons of understand- 
ing superior to his own. In 1721 his brother 
began to print the New England Courant, 
which was the third newspaper, published in 
America. The two preceding papers were the 
Boston News Letter and Boston Gazette. — 
Young Franklin wrote a number of essays for 
the Courant, whicJi were so well received, as 
to encourage him to continue his literary la- 
bors. To improve his style he resolved to 
imitate Addison's Spectator The method, 
which he took, was to make a summary of a 
paper, after he had read it, and in a few days> 
when he had forgotten the expressions of the 
author, to endeavor to restore it to its original 
form. By this means he was taught his errors, 
and perceived the necessity of being more fully 
acquainted with the synonymous words of the 
language. He was much assisted also in ac- 
quiring a facility and variety of expression by 
writing poetry o- 

At this early period the perusal of Shafts- 
bury and Collins made liim completely a scep^ 
tic, and he was fond oT disputing upon the sub- 
ject of religion. This circumstance caused 
him to be regarded by pious men with abhor- 
rence, and on this account as well as on account 
of the ill treatment, which he received from 
his brother, he determined to leave Boston. — 
His departure was facilitated by the possesfi.ion 
of Ills indenture, which his brother had given 
K.2 



Hi BllAISKUiNr. 

him about the year 1723, not from friendships 
hut because the general court had prohibited 
him from publishing the New England Courant, 
and in order that it might be conducted under 
the name of Benjamin Franklin. He private- 
ly went on board a sloop, and soon arrived at 
New York. Finding no employment here, he 
pursued his way to Philadelphia, and entered 
the city without a friend and with only a dollar 
in his pocket. Purchasing some rolls at a ba- 
ker's shop, he put one under each arm, and 
eating a third walked through several streets 
ill search af a lodging. There were at this 
time tv/o printers in Philadelphia, Mr. Andrew 
Bradford, and Mr, Keimer, by the latter of 
whom he was employed. Sir William Keiths 
the gavernor, having been informed, that 
Franklin was a young man of promising ta- 
lents, invited him to his house and treated 
him in the most friendly manner. He advis- 
ed him to enter into business for himself, and> 
to aeeompli&h this object, to make a visit to 
London in order tliat he might purchase the 
necessary articles for a printing office. Re- 
ceiving the promise of assistance, Franklin 
prepared himself for the voyage, and on ap- 
plying for letters of recommendation previous- 
ly to sailing he was told, that they would be 
sent on board. When the letter bag was oj)en- 
cd, tlicre was no packet for Franklin ; and he 
now discovered, that the governor was one oC 
those men, who lx)ve to oblige every body, and 
who substitute the most liberal professions and 
oifers in the place of active, substantial kind- 
ness, Arriving in London in 1734, lie ijras, 



FKANKLIN. 115 

obliged to seek employment as a journeyman 
printer. He lived so economically, that he sav- 
ed a great part of his wages. Instead of drink* 
ing six pints of beer in a day, like some of Ms 
fellow laborers, he drank only water, and he 
persuaded some of them to renounce the ex- 
travagance of eating bread and cheese for 
"breakfast and to procure a cheap soup. As 
his principles at this time were very loose, his 
zeal to enlighten the world induced him to puh- 
tish his dissertation on liberty and necessity, in 
whicli he contended, that virtue and vice Averc 
nothing more than vain distinctions. This work 
procured him the acquaintance of Mandevillo 
and others of the licentious class. 

He returned to Philadelphia in October ±726 
as a clerk to Mr. Henham, a merchant, but 
the death of that gentleman in the following 
year induced him to return to Mr. Keimer iu 
the capacity of foreman in his office. He was 
very useful to his employer, for he gave him 
assistance as a letter founder. He engraved 
various ornaments, and made printer's ink. 
He soon began biisuiess in partnership with 
Mr. Meredith, but in 1729 he dissolved the 
connexion with him. Having purchased of 
Keimer a paper, which had been conducted in 
a wretched manner, he now conducted it in a 
style, which attracted much attention. At this 
time, though destitute of those religious prin- 
ciples, which give stability and elevation to 
virtue, he yet had discernment enough to be 
convinced, that truth, probity, and sincerity 
would ]iromote his interest and be useful to 
Mm in tlie world, and he resolved to respect. 



116 FRANKLIN. 

them in his conduct. The expenses of his es- 
tahlishment in business, notwithstanding his 
industry and economy brought him in a short 
time into embarrassments, from which he was 
relieved by the generous assistance of William 
Coleman and Robert Grace. In addition to 
his other employments he now opened a small 
stationer's shop. But the claims of business 
did not extinguish his taste for literature and 
science. He formed a club, which he called 
the junto, composed of the most intelligent of 
his acquaintance. Questions of morality, poli- 
tics, or philosophy were discussed every Fri- 
day evening, and the institution was continued 
almost forty years. As books were frequently 
quoted in the club, and as the members had 
brought their books together for mutual ad- 
vantage, he was led to form the plan of a pub- 
lic library, which was carried into effect in 
1731, and became the foundation of that noble 
institution, the present library company of Phi- 
ladelphia. In 1732 he began to publish poor 
Richard's almanac, which Avas enriched with 
maxims of frugality, temperance, industry, and 
integrity. So great was its reputation, that he 
sold ten thousand annually, and it was conti- 
nueil by him about twenty five years. The 
maxims were collected in the last almanac in 
the form of an address, called the way to 
wealth, which has appeared in various publi- 
cations. In 1736 he was appointed clerk of 
the general assembly of Pennsylvania, and in 
1737 postmaster of Philadelphia. The fnst 
fire company was formed by him in 173^. 
When the frontiers of Peniisylvania were en- 



FRANKLIN. ±±7 

tkiiigered iii 174i and an ineifectiial attempt 
was made to procure a militia law, he propo- 
sed a voluntary association for the defence of 
the province, and in a short time obtained ten 
thousand names. In 1747 he was chosen a 
member of the assembly, and continued in this 
station ten years. In all important discussions 
his presence was considered as indispensable. 
He seldom spoke, and never exhibited any ora- 
tory ; but by a single observation he sometimes 
determined the fate of a question. In the long 
controversies with the proprietaries or their 
governors, he took the most active part, and 
displayed a firm spirit of liberty. 

He was now eagaged for a number of years 
in a course of electrical experiments, of which 
he published an account. His great discovery 
was the indentity of the electric fluid and light- 
ning. This discovery he made in the summer 
of 17^2. To the upright stick of a kite he at- 
tached an iron point ; the string was of hemp, 
excepting the part, which he held in his hand, 
which was of silk; and a key was fastened 
where the hempen string terminated. With 
this apparatus, on the approach of a thunder 
storm, he raised his kite. A cloud passed over 
it, and no signs of electricity appearing, he 
began to despair : but observing the loose fibres 
of his string to move suddenly toward an erect 
position, he presented his knuckle to the key, 
and received a strong spark. The success of 
this experiment completely established his theo- 
ry. The practical use of this discovery in se- 
curing houses from lightning by pointed eon- 
4tietors is well known iu America and Europe. 



118 FRANKLIK. 

In 1753 he was appointed deputy postmaster 
general of the British colonies, and in the same 
year the academy of Philadelphia, projected hy 
him, was established. In 1754< he was one of 
the commissioners, who attended ihe congress 
at Albany to devise the best means of defend- 
ing the country against the French. He drew 
up a plan of union for defence and general go- 
vernment, which was adopted by the congress. 
It was however rejected by the board of trade 
in England, because it gave too much power to 
the representatives of the people ; and it was 
rejected by the assemblies of the colonies, be- 
cause it gave too much power to the president 
general. After the defeat of Braddoek he w as 
appointed colonel of a regiment, and he rei)air- 
ed to the frontiers, and built a fort. 

Higher employments, however, at length 
called him from his country, which he was 
destined to serve more effectually as its agent 
in England, Avhither he was sent in 1757. The 
stamp act, by which the British minister wish- 
ed to familiarize the Americans to pay taxes 
to the mother counti'y, revived that love of li- 
berty which had led their forefathers to a coun- 
try, at that time a desert ; and the colonies 
formed a congress, the first idea of which had 
been communicated to them by Franklin, at 
the conferences at Albany in 1754. The war 
that was just terminated, and the exertions 
made by them to support it, had given them a 
conviction of their strength ; they opposed this 
measure, and the minister gave way, but he 
reserved the means of renewing the attempt. 
Once cauticHied, however, they remained ou 



FRANKLIN. 119 

liieir guard ; liberty cherished by their alarms^ 
took deeper root ; and the rapid circulation of 
ideas by means of newspapers, for the intro- 
duction of which tliey were indebted to the 
printer of Philadelphia, united tijem tog;etJier 
to resist every fresh enterprise. In the year 
1766, this printer, called to the bar of the 
house of commons, underwent that famous in- 
terrogatory, which placed the name of Frank- 
lin as high in polities, as it was in natural 
philosophy. From that time he defended the 
cause of America with a firmness and modera- 
tion becoming a great man, pointing out to 
the ministry all the errors they committed, 
and the consequences they would produce, till 
the period when the tax on tea meeting the 
same opposition as the stamp act had done* 
England blindly fancied licrscif capable of sub- 
jecting, by force, 3,000,000 of men determined 
to be free, at a distance of 1000 leagues. In 
1766 he visited Holland, Germany and France, 
and he became acquainted with most of the 
literary characters of Europe. He returned 
tp America in 1775 and the day after liis arri- 
val was elected a member of congress. He 
was sent to the camp before Boston to confirm 
the army in their decisive measures, and to 
Canada to persuade tlie citizens to join in the 
common cause. In this mission however he 
was not successful. He was in 1776 appointed 
a committee with John Adams and Edward 
Rutlcdge to inquire into the powers, with 
which lord Howe was invested in regard to 
the adjustment of our differences with Great 
Britain. When his lordship expressed his coii- 



UO F^ANKLm. 

eern at being obliged to distress those, whoni 
he so much regarded. Dr. Franklin a&siued 
him that the Americans out of recipro^ftal re- 
gard, would endeavor to lessen, as much as 
possible, the pain, "which he might feel on 
their account, by taking the utmost care of 
themselves. In the discussion of the great 
question of independence, he was decidedly in 
favor of the measure. He was in the same 
year chosen president of the convention, which 
met in Philadelphia to form a new constitu- 
tion for Pennsylvania. The single legislature 
and the plural executive seem to have been his 
favDrite principles. In the latter end of the year 
1776 he was sent to France to assist in nego- 
tiation with Mr. Arthur Lee and Silas Deane. 
He had much influence in forming the treaty 
of alliance and commerce, which was signed 
February C, 1778, and he afterwards complet- 
ed a treaty of amity and commerce with Swe- 
den. In conjunction with Mr. Adams, Mr. 
Jay, and Mr. Laurens, he signed the provi- J 
sional articles of peace November 30, 1782, 
and the definitive treaty September 30, 1783. 
While he was in France he was appointed one 
©f the commissioners to examine Mesmer's 
animal magnetism in 178i. Being desirous of 
returning to his native country he requested, 
that an ambassador might be appointed in his 
place, and on the arrival of his successor, Mr. 
Jefferson, he immediately sailed for Philadel- 
phia, where he arrived in September 1785. — 
He was received with universal applause, and 
was soon appointed president of the supreme 
executive council. In 1787 lie was a dclefrate 



F^RANK'LIN. 4 21 

- tlic gjL-and convention, wliich fonncd the con- 
stitution of the United States. In this conven- 
tion he had differed in some points from t]je 
majority ; but ^vhen the articles ^verc ulti- 
mately decreed, he said to his colleagues, 
** We ought to have hut one opinion ; the good 
of our countrij requires that the resolution should 
he Mnanimous ;'^ and he signed. He died 
April 17, 1790. As an author, he never wrote 
a v/ork of any length. His political works 
consist of letters or short tracts ; but all of 
them, even those of humor, bear the marks of 
Ills observing genius and mild philosopljy. He 
Avrote many for that ranJv of people who have 
no opportunity for study, and whom it is yet 
I of so much consequence to instruct ; and he 
I was well skilled in reducing useful truths to 
I maxims easily retained, and sometimes to pro- 
verbs, or little tales, the simple and natural 
I graces of which acquire a new value when as- 
j sociatcd with the nanie of tlicir author. The 
most voluminous of his works is tlic history 
\ of his own life, AVhicb he commenced for his 
son, and whicb reaches no farther than 1757. 
He speaks of himself as he would have done of 
another person, delineating his thoughts, his 
actions, and even his errors and faults ; he 
describes the unfolding of his genius and ta- 
lents with the simplicity of a great man, who 
knows how to do justice to himself, and with 
the testimony of a clear conscience void of re- 
proach. In short, the whole life of Franklin, 
bis meditations and his labors, have all been 
directed to public utility ; but the grand object 
^hat he had always in view, did not sluit his 



42^ FRAISKLIN. 

lieart against private friendship ; he loved hi^ 
lainily, and liis friends, and Avas extremely he • 
iieficent. In society he was sententious, hut 
not fluent ; a listener rather than a talker ; 
iin informing rather than a pleasing companion: 
impatient of interruption, he often mentioned 
the custom of the Indians, who always remain 
silent some time hefore they give an answer to 
a question, which they have heard attentively ; 
unlike some of the politest societies in Europe, 
where a sentence can scarcely he finished with- 
out interruption. In the midst of his greatest 
occupations for the lihcrty of his country, he 
had some physical experiment always near 
him in his closet ^ and the sciences, which he 
had rather discovered than studied, afforded 
him a continual source of pleasure. He made 
various hequests and donations to cities, puhlic 
hodifs^s and individuals ; and requested that the 
IblloVing epitaph, which he composed for him- 
self some years ago, might he inscribed on Xm 
tombstone : 

** The body of 
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, 

PRINTER, 

(Like the covering of an old book. 

Its contents torn out, 

And stript of its lettering and gilding,) 

Lies here food for Avorms ,' 

Vet the work itself shall not he lost, hut will. 

(as he believed,) 

Appear once more in a new and more 

Beautiful edition, corrected and amended 

by 

THE AUTHOR." 



The latest and most correct edition of his 
works has been lately pubiislicd by William 
Biianc of Philadelphia. It is entitled " The 
works of Benjamin Franklin^, in philosophy, 
politics and morals, eoiitaiiirarr, bersidcs all the 
writings published in former collections, his 
diplomatic correspondence as minister of the 
United States at the court of Versailles ; a 
Tariety of literary articles, and epistolary cor- 
respondence, never before published, with me- 
moirs and anecdotes of his life ; 5 vols. 8 vo. 

GADSDEN, Christopher, lieutenant go- 
vernor of South Carolina, and a distinguished 
friend of his country, was born about the year 
1724-. So high was his repufalion in the colo- 
ny, in which he lived, that he was appointed 
one of the delegates to the congress, which 
met at Ncav York in October 1765, to petition 
against the stamp act. He was also chosen a 
member of the congress, which met in 1774, 
and on his return early in 1776 received the 
thanks of the provincial assembly for his ser- 
vices. He was among the first, who openly 
advocated republican principles, and wished Id 
make his country independent of the monar- 
chial government of Great Britain. " The de- 
cisive genius," says Ramsay, " of Christopher 
Gadsden in the south and John Adams in the 
north at a much earlier day might have desired 
a complete separation of America from Great 
Britain; but till the year 1776, the rejection 
of the second petition of congress, and the ap- 
pearance of Paine's pamphlet. Common Sense, 
a reconciliation of the mother country was the 
unanimous wish of almost every other Amer?= 



12i GADSDEN: 

ctin.*' During the siege of Chailcston in 17^0 
he remained >?ithin the lines with five of the 
council, Avhilc governor Rulledge, Avith the 
other three, left the city at the earnest request 
af general Lincoln. Several months after the 
capitulation he was taken out of his bed on the 
twenty seventh of August, and witli moat of 
the eivil and military officers transported in a 
guard ship to St. Augustine. Tliis was done 
hy the order of lord Corn^ya^is, and it was in 
yiolation of the rights of prisoners on parole. 
Guards were left at tlieir houses, and the pri- 
vate papers of some of them were examined,- 
A parole was offered at St. Augustine; but 
such was the indignation of lieutenant gover- 
nor Gadsden at tlie ungenerous treatment^ 
which he had received, that he refused to 
accept it, and bore a close confinement in the 
eastic for forty two weeks with the greatest 
jfertitude. In 178^, when it became necessary, 
by the rotation established, to choose a new 
governor, he was elected to this office; but he 
declined it in a short speech to the following 
effect. "I have served you in a variety of 
stations for thirty years, and I would now 
feheerfuliy make one of a forlorn hope in ao 
iissault on the lines of Charleston, if it was 
probable, that Avith the la*« of my life you 
would be reinstated in the possession of your 
capital. AVhat 1 can do for my country I am 
willing to do. My sentiments of the Ameri- 
can cause from the stamp act downwards have 
never changed. I am still of opinion, that it 
is the cause of liberty and of human nature. — 
The present times require the vigor and aeli 



GABSDEN. iZB 

yity of the prime of life ; but I feel the increas- 
ing infirmities of old age to such a degree, that 
I am conscious I cannot serve you to advan- 
tage. I therefore beg for your sakes and fot' 
the sake of the public, that you would indulge 
me ^vith the liberty of declining the arduous 
trust." He continued, however, his exertions 
for the good of his country both in the assem- 
bly and council, and notwithstanding the inju- 
ries he had suffered and the immense loss of 
his property, he zealously opposed the law for 
confiscating the estates of the adherents to the 
British government, and contended that sound 
policy required to forgive and forget. 

The Editor will here give an extract from 
an oration delivered at the city of Washington 
On iliG fourth of July, 1812, by Itichard Rush^ 
Esq. where he refers to the patriotism of the 
venerable Gadsden. He said, 

** By one of the surviving patriots of our re- 
volution I have been told, that in the congress 
of 1774, among other arguments used to pre* 
vent a war, and separation from Great Britain, 
the danger of having our towns battered down 
and burnt was zealously urged. The venera- 
ble Christopher Gadsden, of South Qarolina, 
rose and replied to it in these memorable 
words : " Our sea-port towns, Mr. President, 
are composed of brick and wood. If ihey are 
destroyed, we have clay and timber enough to 
rebuild them. But, if the liberties of our coun- 
try are destroyed, where shall we find the mate- 
j rials to replace them ?" Behold in this an ex- 
ample of virtuous sentiment fit to be imitated." 
He died Septamber, 1805, aged eighty one years, 

X2 



%26 GATES. 

GATES, IIoKATiA, Avas a nridve cf Eng- 
Jand, ^iul v«as bcrn ia seventeen Iiuiidred and 
twenty-eight. Of the place el* I\is hirth, the 
condition of his family, tlie incident and pros- 
pects of his YOut]i, and his education ^ve are 
Hot able to comnmnicate any particuhirs. — 
There is reason to believe that he entered the 
army pretty early, and began his career as an 
rtusign or lieutenant ; yet, we are told, that he 
obtained by merit merely, the rank of major, 
and was aid-de-camp to the British officer, 
who commanded at the capture of Martinicu^ 
At the conclusion of the war in seventeen hurt- 
drcd and forty-eight, he was stationed some- 
time at Halifax in Nova Scotia. At that pe- 
riod, if the date of his birth be accurate, his 
age did not exceed twenty years. 

lie continued in the army, and, probably, in 
some American garrison during the ensuing 
seven years of peace. A new war then broke 
out in Germany, and Nortli America, and Mr. 
Gates, in quality of captain of foot, attracts 
our notice in the earliest and most conspicuous 
scene of that war. lie was in the army which 
accompanied the unfortunate Braddock in the 
expedition against Fort de Quesnc, and, toge- 
ther with the illustrious Washington, was 
among the few'^fficers, who, on that occasion, 
escaped with lite. He did not escape, how- 
ever, without a Tery dangerous wound, Avhich, 
for a time shut him out from the bloody and 
perilous scenes of that long and diversified 
contest. He remained in America to the peace 
of seventeen hundred and sixty three, and then 
returned to his native country with a full- 



aATES. 127 

earned reputation, for activity, enterprise ami 
courage. 

At the opening of the American war wc 

lind him settled on a farm in Virginia. At 

^vhat time he laid down the military life, and 

returned to spend the rest of his days in the 

new world, ^ve are not informed, but his con 

duct evinced so perfect an attachment to his 

I new country, and his military reputation was 

so high, that he was immediately appointed 

I by congress adjutant general, with the rank of 

! brigadier-general, in the new army. General 

j Washington was well acquainted with his mc- 

( rits in his military character, and warmly re- 

j commended him to congress on this occasion. 

1 They had been fellow- soldiers and sufferers 

i under Braddock. 

i From this period, he took a very active part 

I in most of the transactions of the war, and his 
I abilities and good fortune placed him in a 
I rank inferior only to Washington, and above 
I any other general. He accompanied the com- 
j mander in chief to Massachusetts, in July, 
I seventeen hundred and seventy five, and was 
employed, for sometime, in a subordinate, but 
highly useful capacity. 
I The most vulnerable part of the new states, 

' lay in the north. The large territory still in 
j the hands of the British government, in that 
j quarter, whose frontier was well provided with 
' fortresses and garrisons, enabled them to an- 
j noy or invade the revolteu provinces, on this 
side, with peculiar advantages. The congress 
had, therefore, turned an anxious eye towards 
Canada at the opening of the contest. Being 



±28 GATES. 

ileeply aware of the danger wliicli hovered over 
them, on this side, they made strenuous exer- 
tions to raise up new enemies in Canada hy 
their emissaries and manifestoes, and to gain 
possession of the strong and important forts 
upon tlie laks and rivers of that frontier by 
force or by surprise. 

Their arguments and agents were not likely 
to meet with any success among a people 
purely French, and whose only gsievanee was 
their separation from their mother country. — 
Their enterprises against the posts upon the 
lakes w^ere more successful. Crownpoint, Ti- 
condcroga, St. John's and Montreal were con- 
quered by celerity and valor, and a formal in- 
vasion of Canada attempted, even in the first 
year of the war, and when a British army was 
in possession of the principal colonial towns. — 
This enterprise was unsuccessful. The British 
were soon qualified, by reinforcements, to act 
offensively, and to advance against the frontier 

forts recently acquired by the colonial army. 

Furtljcr operations were suspended on that 
side till a formidable army might be transport- 
ed^ from Europe, adequate not only to defence 
but invasion. 

It was a remarkable proof of the confidence 
reposed in Gates by the new government, that, 
on the retreat of their forces from Canada, the 
chief command in this quarter was conferred 
upon him. This apppointmeut took place in 
June seventeen hundred and seventy six, and 
the new general was found no wise deficient in 
the courage and vigilance, rendered peculiarly 



GATES. l^y 

iitii3essai7 by a declining and unprosperous 
cause. 

It was unfortunate that the rivalship, and 
(slashing pretentions of the American officers 
should add to tlic natural difficulties of their 
situation. General Schuyler, a most useful 
and meritorious officer, had hitherto superin- 
tended the forts, and garrisons within the li- 
mits usually assigned to New York. As there 
was now no American troops in Canada, gene- 
ral Gates's cosnmand either superseded that of 
Schuyler, or was quite nugatory. Thence arose 
bickering and contention. Schuyler, whose 
merits and services were very great, and gene- 
rally acknowledged, was degraded by the new 
appointment to a subordiatc station, when he 
deemed himself rather entitled to additional 
dignities. He made vehement complaints to 
congress, and prepared, unless his injuries were 
properly redressed, to relinquish the service 
altogether : an alternative by which the com- 
mon cause would have suffiired very heavily. 

Congress were unwilling to cancel their com- 
mission to Gates, and at the same time were 
fully sensible of the loss they should incur by 
the resignation of Schuyler. They labored, 
therefore, with mucli pains to reconcile their 
adverse pretensions, and by leaving the two 
officers with jurisdictions in some degree in- 
dependent of each other, they succeeded im- 
perfectly, in satisfying both. Great credit is 
due to both these eminent persons, and, espe- 
cially, candor requires us to say, to general 
Schuyler, for asqiiiescing in terms, by whicli 



130 GATES. 

their country continued to be benefited by tlieir 
serYJees. 

From projects of conquests in C.inadu, the 
American government bad been compelled to 
give tlieir whole attention to schemes of de- 
fence. The communications between Canada 
and the maritime and Hudson country >va« 
chiefly maintained by a chain of lakes and ri- 
Tcrs. The intermediate land was overspread 
with forest and marsh, and nearly impractica- 
ble to the ponderous accompaniments, in artil- 
lery, ammunition and baggage, of a modern 
army. The command of the lakes and rivers, 
therefore, was absolutely necessary, and quite 
sufficient to repel an invasion. This could only 
be obtained or held by means of a naval arma- 
ment, and to provide and equip this was the pe- 
culiar province of Schuyler, while Gates was 
called upon to co-operate in this service to the 
utmost of his power. 

The British commenced the naval prepara- 
tions on their side with great alacrity and suc- 
cess. But the Americans had every obstacle 
but the want of zeal, to encounter in preparing 
for defence. General Gates co-operated cordi- 
ally with Schuyler, but there was a miserable 
and irreparable deficiency in cannon, in the ma- 
terials of ship building, and even in the necessa- 
ry workmen. The country had been hitherto 
a desert. Colonization in its natural progress, 
had not approached these solitary shores. No~ 
thing but the exigencies of the former war 
with France had occasioned this region to be 
traversed or inhabited. A few forts, Avith sui 
table garrisons, were all that could be found in 



GATES. lii 

ii> aiitl that abundmiee of workmen, vessels, and 
j)reparetl timber v/lifch a »ell planted country 
would have spontaneously furnished, was un- 
known. Schuyler, indeed, was not destitute 
of a naval armament, but it was insufficient to 
cope M'ith the greater preparations of ihe enc-» 
jny. With all the exertions of the two com- 
iaanders, they were merely able to equip about 
fifteen vessels, half of which were little better 
than boats, and the largest carried only twelve 
small guns very ill supplied with ammunition, 

The wisdom and discernment of general Gates 
were shown by the recommendation of the in- 
trepid, and as yet unsuspected Arnold, to the 
command of this little armament. The first 
operations of the campaign consisted in a con- 
test between these vessels under Arnold, and a 
much superior force under Carleton, in which 
the land forces had no concern. 

On the land side, the great drama opened 
very inauspieiously. The American comman- 
der instead of waiting at Crownpoint, for the 
assault of the enemy, abandoned that place, 
before he was summoned to do so by an hos- 
tile army, Tiie Americans had a more for- 
midable enemy to encoimter, in the small-pox 
than in British soldiers. This and other sick- 
nesses made such havoc among them, not only 
during the expedition to Canada, but after 
their reJreat to Crownpoint, that general Gates 
thought it eligible to evacuate that fortress of 
his own accord, and concentrate his army at 
Tieonderoga. For this purpose he was even 
obliged to countermand th? advance of large 
reinforcements. 



Suck volunlaty retreats arc always cxli^nie 
Xy perilous to the reputation of a general. The- 
congress had entertained hopes of advancing and 
of conquering by means of this army. This re- 
treat surrendered to the British without an ef- 
fort, the whole important navigation of Lake 
Champlain. General Washington, after a full 
statement of the motives of the measure warm- 
ly disapproved of it ; all the field officers in like 
manner, loudly condemned it. The comman- 
der had only to plead the opinion of a council 
of officers, his own superior opportunity of 
knowing the actual state of his affairs, and 
ancient proofs of his patriotisRi and military 
skill. Whatever sentence has been passed on 
the wisdom of this measure, we have never 
heard that any imputation rested on the fideli- 
ty of the general. 

Gates and Schuyler with eight thousand 
men well prov^isioncd, determined to defend 
Ticonderoga to the last extremity. All the 
efforts of Arnold served only to delay without 
being ?J)le to prevent the approach of Carle- 
ton with a formidable army to this post, and 
all parties naturally expected to witness a long, 
obstinate, and bloody siege. Some causes, not 
"wcU understood, though the lateness of the sea- 
son must be doubtless numbered among them, 
induced Carleton to disappoint these expecta- 
tions, by leaving the fortress unmolested, and 
retiring in search of winter quarters into Ca- 
nada. In a mere wilderness, where all the wa- 
ters are frozen for five or six months in^thc 
year, this was absolutely necessary. This re- 
treat enabled general Gates to march soutii- 



GATES. U^ 

^vanl a considerable detachment ofhisarmy to 
assist general Washington in his operations in 
the middle colonies. 

The ensuing year was passed in a great va- 
riety of movements and skirmishes in the low- 
er districts of New York, Pennsylvania and 
Jersey, between the principal commanders. — 
In the ordinary records of the time, we meet 
with no splendid or conspicuous part perform- 
ed by the subject of this narrative, though 
there is sufficient i^ason to believe that his 
services in that motley warfare were active, 
strenuous and useful. Wc may suspect that 
the evacuation of Crownpoint did not operate 
on the public feelings to his advantage, in a 
new scene, especially as Schuyler his great 
competitor, condemned that expedient. That 
general continued on the northern waters, an- 
xiously employed in preparing against a for- 
midable invasion of the enemy, designed to 
take place on the next summer, while the gar- 
risons, in the absence of Gates, were superin- 
tended by general Wayne. 

We need not dwell on the difficuUies under 
which the new states laboured in the forming 
of an army sufficient to resist the shock of the 
veterans of Britain. They issued decrees, di- 
rected levies, organized regiments, and ascer- 
tained numbers, pay and equipments. All 
this was easy, but the deficiency of the public 
funds, on the one side, and of public spirit on 
the other, rendered these solemn arrangements 
quite nugatory. The absolute uncertainty 
whether in the next campaign, the British 
would attempt to penetrate to New York by 



the lakes and tlie river Hudson, or by a coast- 
ing voyage from the mouth of the St. Law- 
pence, with the greater probability that atten- 
ded the latter scheme contributed to dissipate 
and enfeeble the exertions, which the states, 
with fixed views, and a traced path before 
them, would have been qualified to make. 

There is some obscurity in tliis period of the 
life of general Gates. In the spring of seven- 
teen hundred and seventy-seven, he was ap- 
pointed with Schuyler, from a subordinate, to 
the chief command on the northern frontier. — 
In May of the same year, he was superseded 
by Schuyler, nor was it, until after Burgoyne 
with his well appointed legions had reached 
Ticonderoga, that he resumed the command. 
This place, commanded by Sinclair, was eva- 
cuated without a siege, on the fifth of July. — 
The retreating army under Sinclair, was hotly 
pursued, overtaken, and defeated. Fort Ann 
and Skeensborough w ere occupied by the ene- 
my, and all attempts to check his further pro- 
gress appeared wholly desperate. 

At this crisis a small delay in the advance 
of Burgoyne from Skeensborough, rendered 
necessary by the natural diflicultics of the 
country, was diligently employed by general 
Schuyler. That meritorious olRcer contrived 
ito raise the most formidable impediments to 
the further progress of Burgoyne, by breaking 
^own the bridges, obstructing the navigation 
of Wood-creek, -choking up the roads, or ra- 
ther pathways through the forest, by felled 
trees, and by driving off all the cattle of the 
neighboring country. These obstructions were 



so formidable that Biir^oyne did not arrive at 
Fort Edward on the upper branches of the 
Hudson, till twenty-five days after his pause 
at Skeensborough. Here, a painful, unsea- 
sonable, and dangerous pause, was again ne- 
cessary, in order to procure provisions from 
the posts in the rear, and to collect the boatf$ 
and other vessels necessary for the navigation 
of the Hudson. 

The progress of Burgoync was arrested at 
the very point where it should seem all obsta- 
cles, of any moment, were fully surmounted* 
He had reached the Hudson, by a most painful 
and laborious march through the forest, and a 
detachment of his army under St. Leger, who 
had been directed to approach the Hudson by 
another road, had nearly effected this purpose. 
St. Leger had gained a battle, and was no"w 
Jbesieging fort Schuyler, the surrender of which 
was necessary to the further co-operation of 
the British generals, and was confidently an- 
ticipated. The tide of events, however, no^y 
suddenly took a new direction. 

Fort Schuyler refused to surrender, and the 
assaults of the besiegers made very liUle im- 
pression on the works. The Indians, who 
composed a large part of St. Leger's army, be- 
gan to display their usual fickleness and 
treachery, and after many efforts made by the 
British general to detain them, finally resolved 
to withdraw. This created an absolute neces- 
sity for raising the siege, which was done with, 
great precipitation, and with the loss of all 
their camp equipage and stores. 



136 GATES. 

On the other side, the strenuous exertions 
^f Schuyler had deprived Burgoync of all those 
resources which the neighhoring country might 
have afforded him. At^er a fortnight's lahor 
he had heen ahic to collect only twelve hoatsi, 
and livo day's provisions for his army. An at- 
tempt to obtain possession of a depository of 
ju'o visions at Bennington, had failed, and two 
detachments, sent on that service had been 
defeated. The militia of the eastern and lower 
country were rapidly collecting, and threaten* 
ed to raise obstacles still more formidable than 
those of nature. 

Schuyler was extremely unfortunate. A pe- 
culiar malignity seemed to cleave to his fate. 
With zeal, enterprise, and diligence, surpass- 
ing that of most others engaged in the service, 
he was doomed to labour under the suspicion 
of negligence or treachery. As Gates had 
suflcred in the public opinion, by the evacua- 
tion of Crownpoint, Scliuyler and St. Clair 
had incurred still greater odium by their hasty 
light from Ticonderoga. This odium, even 
when removed from the minds of the rulers of 
the state, was not to be banished from the feel- 
ings of the people, and made it necessary to as- 
sign the management of this war to other 
hands. Gates was appointed to succeed Schuy- 
ler, and arrived at the scene of action on the 
twenty-iirst of August. 

It was fortunate for general Gates that the 
retreat from Ticonderoga had been conducted 
under other auspices than his, and that he 
took the command when the indefatigable but 
unrequited labors of Schuyler, and the coura^ 



©ATES. U7 

«f Starke and his mountaineers had already 
insured the ultimate defeat of Burgoyne. The 
Yery obstinacy of Burgoyne, who, notwithstand- 
ing is unfavorable prospects, would not think 
of saving his army by a timely retreat, was 
highly propitious to the new American com- 
mander. 

After collecting thirty days' provision, Bur- 
goyne passed the Hudson and encamped at Sa- 
ratoga. Gates, with numbers already equal, 
and continually augmenting, began to advance 
towards him with a resolution to oppose his 
progress at the risk of a battle. He encamped 
at Stillwater, and Burgoyne hastened forward 
to open the way with his sword. On the se- 
venteenth of September the two armies were 
within four miles of each other. Two days 
after, skirmishes between advanced parties 
terminated in an engagement almost generaf, 
in which the utmost efforts of the British 
merely enabled them to maintain the footing 
of the preceding day. 

Burgoyne, unassisted by the British forces 
under Clinton at New York, found himself un- 
able to pursue his march down the river, and in 
the hope of this assistance, was content to re- 
main in his camp, and stand on the defensive. 
His army was likewise diminished by the de- 
sertion of the Indians and the Canadian mili- 
tia, to less than one half of its original num- 
ber. Gates fmding his forces largely increas- 
ing, being plentifully supplied witli provisions* 
arid knowing that Burgoyne had only a limited 
store, whicli was rapidly lessening, and could 
not be recruited, was not without hopes thai 



13& GATES. 

victory would come, in time, even without r 
liattle. His troops were so nuaierou^, and his 
Ibrtilied position so strong, that he Avas able 
to take measures for preventing the retreat of 
the enemy, by occupying the strong posts in 
his rear. Accordingly nineteen days passed 
without any further operations, a delay as rui- 
nous to one party, as it was advantageous ta 
the other. At the end of this period, the Bri- 
tish general found his prospects of assistance 
as remote as ever, and the consumption of his 
stores so alarming, that retreat or victory be- 
came unavoidable alternatives. 

On the eighth of October, a warm action 
ensued, in which the British were every where 
repulsed, and apart of their lines occupied by 
rtieir enemies. Burgoyne's loss was very con- 
siderable in killed, wounded and prisoners, 
while the favourable situation of Gates's army 
made its losses in the battle of no moment.—. 
Burgoyne retired in the night to a stronger 
camp, but the measures immediately taken by 
Gates, to cut off his retreat, compelled him 
without delay to regain his former camp at 
Saratoga. There he arrived with little mo- 
lestation from his adversary. Ilis provisions 
being now reduced to the supply of a few days, 
the transport of artillery and baggage towards 
Canada being rendered impracticable by the 
judicious measures of his adversary, the Bri- 
tish general resolved upon a rapid retreat, 
merely with what the soldiers could carry on 
their backs. 

On a careful scrutiny, however, it was found 
tfiat they were deprived even of this resource^, 



as the passes through which theiji route lay, 
were so strongly guarded, that nothing hut ar- 
tillery could clear them. In this desperate 
situation a parley took place, and on the six- 
teenth of October the whole army surrender- 
ed to Gates. The prize obtained consisted of 
more than ^ye thousand prisoners, some fine 
artillery, seven thousand muskets, clothing for 
7000 men, with a great quantity of tents, and 
other military stores. All the frontier fortres- 
ses were immediately abandoned to the victors^ 

It is not easy to overrate the importance of 
this success. It may be considered as decid- 
ing the war of the revolution, as from that pe- 
riod the British cause began rapidly to decline. 
The capture of Cornwallis was hardly of equal 
importance to that of Burgoyne, and was in it- 
self an event of much less splendor, and pro- 
ductive of less exultation. 

How far the misfortunes of Burgoyne were 
owing to accidents beyond human control, and 
how far they are asqribed to the individual 
conduct and courage of the American com- 
mander, would be a useless and invidious in- 
quiry. Reasoning on the ordinary ground, his 
merits were exceedingly great, and tins event 
entitled him to a high rank among the delive- 
rers of his country. The memory of all former 
misfortunes were effaced by the magnitude of 
this victory, and the government and people 
vied with each other in expressing their admi- 
ration of the conqueriag general. Besides the 
thanks of congress, the general received from 
the president a gold medal as a memorial of 
th^ir gratitu(}c. 



Every war abounds with eases of priyate siit^ 
ferjng and distress, very few of which become 
public, though sympathy and curiosity are 
l^owerfully excited by narratives of that kind ; 
and the feelings of a whole nation are remark- 
ably swayed by them» The ei^pedition of 
Burgoyne was adorned by the romantic and 
aftecting tales of M'Crea, and Lady Harriet 
Ackland. The latter is of no further conse- 
quence in this narration, than as it reflects 
gi'cat credit on the politeness and humanity 
of general Gates» Major Aekland, the hu!>- 
band of this lady, was wounded and made pri- 
soner in one of the battles preceding the sur- 
render, and his wife, in going to the lM)stile 
camp ta attend her husband,, met with a re- 
ception which proved that lT)ng converse with 
military scenes, had left the virtues of huma^ 
nity wholly unimpaired ia his bosom. 

We do not feel ourselves authorized ta enter 
minutely into certain mysterious transactions 
which followed these great events, and which 
exhibited the melancholy prospect, not of skir- 
mishes and battles^ with the common enemy, 
but of a war of jealousy, suspicion and re- 
crimination, between the chief commanders of 
the American forces. We hardly dare venture 
to touch upon leading facts, and to draAv any 
positive conclusioiis from them at this late pe- 
riod, and witliout that knowledge which a per- 
sonal acquaintance Avith the parties only can 
confer, would be pi*e sumptuous and absurd. 

The first step to these misunderstandings, 
which has gained historical notice appears to 
be an unsxiccessfiil applicatioa tp Gates bv 



GATES. 141 

Washington, for a detachment of his troops., 
after the course of events had clearly estah- 
lishcd the superiority of the northern army, 
exclusive of this detachment, over the enemy. 
After the capture of Burgoyne, it was ex- 
tremely difficult either by persuasion or re- 
monstrances, to induce general Gates, wh© 
was in quarters at Albany, to believe that the 
dangers of the southern army warranted him 
in parting with any of his forces. This reluc- 
tance, however, was finally overcome by the 
address and perseverance of colonel Hamilton ; 
htut the previous delays were supposed by some 
to contribute to the success of the British arms 
in Jersey, and on the Delaware. It is propel? 
to observe, however, that these delays partljr 
arose from the mutinous spirit of the troops 
intended to be draughted from the north. 

The exigencies of the American troops, in 
the rigorous winter of 1777, for provisions, led 
to a very singular contest between the civil and 
military power, in which the former recom- 
mended violence and cruelty, and the latter 
was the advocate of mildness and justice. 
Congress commanded the wants of the army 
to be supplied by a species of military execu- 
tion. The general was insurmountably averse 
to any mode but fair purchase. The comman-t 
der, since the acquisition of the colonial me- 
ti'opolis, by Howe, refused to adopt offensive 
measures. A strong party in congress, and a 
large one among the people, highly disapprov- 
ed of his forbearance. The brilliant exploits 
of Gates, in the north, naturally presented him 
^'s a suitable succes^oc to the commander in 



142 CiATEa 

chief. Thus far we may venture to go, but 
we are n<»t justified in assigning the degree of 
influence which personal animosity or ambition 
possessed over the feelings or conduct of gene- 
ral Gates on this occasion : how far the pro- 
ject of exalting him to the chief command 
originated with, or was promoted by himself; 
and if this were in any degree the case, how 
far upright or questionable means were em- 
ployed for this end, we decide not. The re- 
gard due to the reputation of both those illus- 
trious men, requires a nearer and nicer scruti- 
ny to qualify any one for a judge in this case.,, 
than is possible for any one now living to make. 
"We hardly need to add that no change was ef- 
fected, and that henceforward the popularity of 
Washington continued to increase. 

It is well known that success does not always 
prove the wisdom of military jilans, nor their 
failure always evidence their folly. Had Wash- 
ington on that occasion been superseded bv 
CiatcB — had Philadelphia been stormed, and 
Cornwallis and his army made prisoners — we 
should have escaped the miseries of three or 
four year's war. The promotion of Gates 
would have been universally applauded, and 
his glory in a great measure have supplanted 
-that of Washington. Yet this event might 
have flowed from an unforeseen and momenta- 
ry accident. Offensive measures at that sea- 
son might not have deserved success. To all 
those who reason justly from the experience 
of the past, they might appear rash and inex- 
pedient. Yet as a large party in congress and 
^mong the people, disapproved of Washing- 



(&ATES. lis 

toii*s forbearance, his successor ^vould have 
appeared Vj owe his success to his superior 
Talor and conduct. Fortunately, however, 
perhaps, Oates was denied an opportunity of 
trying his own plans. For the same accident 
v/hieh sometimes gives success to a rash mea- 
sure, quite as often frustrates a prudent one ^ 
and failure would have been as readily admit- 
ted by the people a sufficient proof of his te- 
Bierity as success of his foresight. Gates was 
placed at the head of the board of war, a post 
©f trust and dignity scarcely inferior to that of 
commander in chief. His influence was imme- 
diately felt by the numerous class of the disaf- 
fected and suspected. Tliese had been treat- 
ed in the true spirit of revolutions, with super- 
fluous rigor and capricious cruelty. Gates's 
system Avas that of forbearance and lenity — of 
allowing largely for honest intentions and dif- 
ference of opinion. The benignity of his mea-^ 
sures were seconded by the urbanity of his per- 
sonal deportment— he was courteous and friend- 
ly even to the proscribed. 

The quakcrs of Pennsylvania were favora- 
bly disposed to Great Britain. This was a 
practical consequence of their conscientious 
aversion to war. How far their inclination 
and judgment, independent of religious mo^ 
tives, made them as a body favorable to tJiat 
cause, it is needless to say. Their conscien- 
tious plea obtained no indulgence from the 
ruling party, and they were involved without 
ceremony, in the charge of treason and rebel- 
lion. Their sufferings constitute no particu- 
lar stigma against the American revolution. 



^^^ GATES. 

because jealousy, intolerance, and oppression, 
belong of necessity to all revolutions. 

Gates had always a particular kindness for 
llie quakers. He displayed on all occasions, 
almost ostentatiously, his reverence for the 
head of that sect. The iirst use he made of 
the power annexed to his present station, was 
to redress their complaints, and relieve their 
suiTerings. 

Gates was in a private station, residing en 
his farm in Virginia, in June, seventeen hun- 
dred and eighty. The low state of their af- 
fairg, in the southern districts induced con- 
gress, on the thirteenth of that month, to call 
him to the chief command in that quarter. — 
The state of affairs in Pennsylvania, Jersey, 
and New York, afforded sufficient employment 
for Washington, and Gates being the next in 
rank and reputation, was resorted to as the 
last refuge of his suffering country. 

The efforts of the British in the southern 
states had been very strenuous and successful. 
Charleston, the chief city, had been taken. — 
All the American detachments, collected with 
great difficulty, easily dissolved by their own 
fears, ill furnished with arms, and unqualified 
for war, by inexperience and want of discipline, 
were instantly overwhelmed and dispersed by 
the well equipped cavalry ofTarleton, and the 
veterans of Ra^don and Cornwallis. The 
American leaders were famous for their valor, 
perseverance and activity ; bat these qualities 
would not supply the place of guns, and of 
hands to manage them. At this crisis Gates 
took the command of that miserable remnant 



UATE'6. Ii5 

which bore the name of the southern army, 
and which mustered about fifteen hundred men. 
A very numerous and formidable force existed 
in the promises of North Carolina and Virgi- 
nia. The paper armies of the new states al- 
ways made a noble appearance. All the mu- 
niments of war overflow ed the siiirts of these 
armies ; hut, alas ! the field was as desolate as 
the paper estimate was full. The promised 
army proved to be only one tenth of the stipu- 
lated number, and assembled at the scene oi* 
iietion long after the fixed time. The men 
were destitute of arms and ammunition, and, 
what was most to be regretted, were undisci- 
plined. 

Two modes of immediate action were pro^ 
jiOsed. One was to advance into the countivy 
possessed by the enemy, by a road somevt^hat 
<iircaitous, but which would supply the army 
with accommodation and provisions. Gates 
was averse to dilatory measures. He was, per- 
haps, somewhat misled by the splendid success 
which had hitherto attended him. lie was 
anxious to come to action immediately, and to 
terminate the Avar by a few bold and energetic 
efforts. He therefore resolved to collect all 
the troops into one body, and to meet the ene- 
my as soon as possible. Two days after his 
arrival in camp he began his march by the 
most direct road. This roa!, unfortunately* 
led through a barren country, in the hottest 
and most unwholesome season of the year. 

During this march all the forebodings of 
those who preferred a different track were am- 
ply fulfilled. A scanty supply of cattle, found 



lis €ATES. 

nearly ^vild in the woods, was ilicjr prkelpal 
sustenance, while bread or flour was almost 
wholly wanting, and when Ave add to a scarcity 
of food the malignity of the climate and the 
season, we shall not wonder that the work of 
the enemy was anticipated in the destruction 
of considerable numbers by disease. The per- 
severancie of Gates, in surmounting the obsta- 
cles presented by piny thickets and dismal 
swamps, deserves praise, however injudicious 
the original choice of such a road may be 
thought by some. In this course he effected 
a junction with some militia of North- Caroli- 
na, and with a detachment under Porteriield, 

He finally took possession of Clermont, 
whence the British commander, lord Ra^vdon, 
had previously withdrawn. That general pre- 
pared, by collecting and centering his forces in 
one body, to overwhelm him in a single battle. 
Lord Rawdon was posted with his forces at 
Camden. After some deliberation, the Ame- 
i'ican leader determined to approach th« Eng- 
lish, and expose himself to the chance of a 
battle. 

Rumor had made the numbers of the Ameri- 
cans much greater than they really were in the 
imagination of the British. Cornwallis himself 
hastened to the scene of action, and, though 
mustering all his strength for this arduous oc- 
casion, could not bring two thousand enVctivc 
men into the field. Nineteen, however, out of 
twenty of these were veterans of the most for- 
midable qualifications, ^ith the reinforce- 
ment of seven hundred Virginian militia and 
jsamc other detachments, Gates's array did mt 



GATES. 14.7 

iall short of four thousand men. A ¥ery small 
portion of these were regular troops, while the 
rest were a wavering r nd undisciplined militia, 
whose presence was rather injurious than he- . 
nelieial. 

Notwithstanding his inferiority of numhers, 
€ornwallis found that a retreat would be more 
pernicious than a battle under the worst aus- 
pices ; and he himself^ on the sixteenth of Au- 
gust, prepared to attack his enemy. General 
Gates had taken the same resolution at the 
same time ; and the adverse forces came to an 
engagement in which the Americans suffered a 
defeat. The loss of the battle was ascribed, 
with reason, to the cowardice and unskilfulness 
of the militia. Among these the rout and con- 
fusion was absolute and irretrievable, and 
Gates had the singular fortune of conducting 
the most prosperous and the most disastrous of 
the military enterprises in this war. 

Here was a dismal reverse in the life of 
Gates. His prosperous scale sunk at Camdeii 
as fast it had mounted at Saratoga. There 
had been a diSerencc of opinion as to the best 
road to the theatre of action, and the hard- 
ships and diseases which one party had foretold 
would infest the road which he took, actually 
exceeded what was menaced. A battle los€ 
against half the number, in circumstances 
where the vanquished army was taken, in some 
degree, by surprise, would not fail to suggest 
suspicions as to the caution or discernment of 
the general. 

Gates continued in command till October the 
fifth in the same year, about fifty days aftei" 



148 GATES. 

the (lisastep at Camden. In this interval Fie 
had been busily employed in repairing the con^^ 
ficquences of that defeat, and was now repos- 
ing for tlie winter. He was, on that day, liow- 
cver, displaced, and subjected to the inquiry of 
a special court. The inquiry Avas a tedious 
one, but terminated finally in the acquittal of 
the general. He was reinstated in his military 
command in the year seventeen hundred ami 
eighty-two. In the meantime, however, the 
great scenes of the southern war, especially 
the capture of Cornwallis, had past. Little 
i»oom was afforded to a new general to gather 
either laurels or henbane. A particular detail 
of tliose transactions in which he was concern- 
ed exceeds the limits prescribed to this hasty 
sketch. In like manner we are unable to di- 
gest that voluminous mass of letters, evidences, 

and documents by which th© resolution of COn- 

gress, in favor of his conduct at Camden, was 
dictatetl. 

The capture of Cornwallis which produced 
ttuch grand and immediate consequences, swal- 
lowed up tlie memory of all former exploits, 
and whatever sentence the impartial historian 
may pronounce on the comparative importance 
of tlie capture of Burgoyne, and the surrender 
of Cornwallis, to the national welfare, or to 
the merit of the leaders, the people of that 
lime could not hearken to any such pa allele 
They swam in joy and exultation, and the hero 
of York-town was alike with congress and 
with the people the only saviour of his couii . 
trv. 



GATES. 149 

If Cormvallis was encompassed with insupe- 
2'able obstacles to retreat when his situation 
became desperate, and all sources of new sup- 
ply of provision were exhausted ; if he was 
surrounded by enemies more numerous than 
his own troops, such likewise were the cir- 
cumstances of Burgoyne, and which ensured 
#the assailants a victory in both cases. In Bur- 
goyne' s case these obstacles to retreat were 
partly forest and morass, but chiefly consisted 
in the caution and labour of Schuyler and of 
Gates. The mounds which enclosed Cornwal- 
iis consisted entirely of a formidable fleet of a 
foreign power, and the greater part of his as- 
sailants were foreign auxiliaries. Gates com- 
pleted the destruction of his adversary, alrea- 
dy half executed by his own folly, and by the 
skill and diligence of Gates's predecessors j 
but that plan by which Cornwallis was plung. 
ed into n desperate situation, was wholly di- 
gested by the wisdom of Washington. Corn- 
wallis's surrender was the signal for peace, 
which every one recognised as soon as it was 
displayed ; but the event at Saratoga, as to its 
influence on the event of the war, might be a 
topic of endless dispute. 

A second mysterious and delicate transact 
lion of this war, was the conduct of the oflicers 
at the «elose of it. They demanded payment 
of theiir wages in arrear, but this being quite 
impossible, they threatened that vengeance 
which their military union had put in their 
power. Thus the thoughtful observer, i^he 
foresaiy in this revel ution nothing but the usual 
coursei from a well regulated government to a 



150 eATES* 

inilitai-y usurpation, imagined the next step hi 
such a progress was already at hand. He 
averlooked, however, the character of the 
great leader, who added to the perseverance of 
Cromwell and the magnanimity of Ceaser, the 
Integi'ity of the wisest and hest of men. 

The secret history of this conspiracy would 
be very curious, and either the enemies or 
friends of Gates would find something of im* 
portance to his character. Yet nice and ardu- 
ous indeed would be the task of exhibiting that 
something to the public. The author must be 
silent on this subject, from a sense of justice, 
which will not suffer him to act upon his own 
'inii>erfect knowledge, in a case where any de- 
cision must be of the utmost consequence to 
the fame of a gi^eat man, dead. 

When the revolution was completed. Gates 
retired to his plantation in Virginia. We are 
unacquainted with the particulars of his do- 
mestic economy ; but have reason to irifer that 
it was eminently mild and liberal, sinoe seven 
years afterwards, when he took up Us final 
residence in New- York, he gave freeilom to 
his slavea. Instead of turning these miserable 
wretches to the highest profit, he made provi- 
sion for the old and infirm, while several of 
them testified their attachment to him by re- 
maining in his family. In the characteristic 
virtue of planters, hospitality. Gates had no 
competitor, and his reputation may wxll be 
supposed to put that virtue to a hard test. — 
He purchased, in the neighborhood of New- 
York, a spacious house, with valuable ground^ 
Jfer the life of himself and his wife> ami herc^ 



GATES. lal 

with few exceptions, he remaiiied for the rest 
•f his life. 

No Avontler that the military leaders in the 
iKiVolution should aspire to the enjoyment of 
its civil honors afterwards. The war was too 
short to create a race of mere soldiers. The 
merchants and lawyers who entered the army 
hecame merchants and lawyers again, and had 
lost none of their primitive qualifications for 
administering the civil government. Gates, 
however, was a singular example among the 
officers of high rank. His original profession 
was a soldier, and disahled him from acquiring 
the capacity suitahle to the mere magisrate 
and senator. During twenty-three years he 
was only for a short time in a public hody. Li 
the year 1800 he was elected to the New- York 
legislature in consequence of a critical balance 
of the parties in that state, and withdrew 
again into private life as soon as the purpose 
for which he was elected Avas gained. 

General Gates was a whig in England and a 
republican in America. His political (^>inions 
did not seperate him from many respectable 
citizens, whose views differed widely from his 
own. 

He had a handsome person, tending to corpu- 
lence in the middle of life ; remarkably courte- 
ous to all; and carrying good humor some- 
times beyond the nice limit of dignity. He is 
said to have received a classical education, and 
not to have entirely neglected that advantage 
in after life. To science, literature or erudi- 
tion, however, he made no pretensions ; hut 
gave indisputiible marks of a social) amiable 



452 GIST-^GORDON. 

and benevolent disposition. He had two 'v^ivcs> 
the last of whom, who still survives him, he 
brought from Virginia. She has been much 
admired for her manners and conversation. — 
He died without posterity at his customary 
abode near New-York, on the tenth of April 
1806, after having counted a long series of se- 
venty-eight years. 

GIST, MoRDECAT, a brigadier general in 
the American war, commanded one of the Ma- 
ryland brigades in the battle of Camden, Au- 
gust 16, 1780. He died in Charleston, South 
Carolina, in September, 1792. 

GORDON, WillijLm, d. d. minister of Rox- 
bury, Massachusetts, a historian of the Ame- 
rican war, w^as a native of Hitchin, Hertford- 
shire England, and had his academical educa- 
tion in London under Mr. Marry att. He was 
early settled as pastor of a large independent 
church at Ipswich, where he continued in good 
esteem many years. He removed from this si- 
tuation in consequence of some uneasines, oc- 
c.asioned by his reprehension of the conduct of 
one of his principal hearers in employing his 
workmen on public business on the Lord's day. 
After the death of Dr. David Jennings he was 
chosen to be his successor in the church at old 
gravel lane, Wapping, Here lie might have 
continued much respected, but in the year 
1770 his partiality to America induced him ta 
force himself away, in order to settle in this 
country. After having preached about a year 
to the third church in Roxbury, he was or- 
dained its minister July 6, 1772. He took an 
active part in public measures during the war 



OREENf:. U3 

with Great Britain, and was chosen chaplain 
to the provincial congress of Massachusetts'. 
While in this office he preached a fast sermon 
on Isaiah i. 26, which strongly expressed his 
political sentiments. In the beginning of the 
year 1776 he formed the design of writing a 
history of the great events, which had of late 
taken place in America, and which wonld yet 
f>e presented to the observation of mankind. 
Besides other sources of information, he had 
recourse to the records of congress, and to 
ihose of New England, and was indulged with 
the perusal of the papers of Washington^ 
Gates, Greene, Lincoln, and Otho Williams. 
After the conclusion of the war he returned to 
his native country in 1786, and in 1788 pub- 
lished the work, which had for a number of 
years occupied liis attention. 

He died at Ipswich October ±9, 1807, in the 
seventy eighth year of his age. 

GREENE, Christopher, lieutenant colo- 
nel commandant of one of the Rhode Island 
regiments in the service of congress during 
the revolutionary war, was born in the town 
of Warwick in the state of Rhode Island in 
the year 1737. His father, Philip Greene,, 
Esquire, was descended from Jonathan Greene, 
Esquire, one of the earliest settlers of Massa- 
chusetts bay. The latter gentleman emigrat- 
ed from England in the year 1637, and settled 
in Salenri, now a well improved opulent com- 
mercial town. Mr. Greene, soon after his ar- 
rival, purchased fiM)m the Indian Sachems Mi- 
©antenomon and Socononea, a part of the town- 
ijhip of Warwick called Occupassatioxet^ which 



m Greene; 

property is still possessed by some of his dc* 
scendants. He left three sons, the progeBitors 
of a numerous and respectable race of men, 
successively distinguished as well by the high- 
est offices in the gift of their country, as by 
their talents, their usefulness and goodness. 

Philip Greene, the father of the lieutenant 
colonel, was a gentleman of the first respecta- 
bility in the state, beloved for his virtues, and 
admired for his honorable discharge of the 
duties of the various stations to which he was 
called, the last of Avhich placed him upon the 
bench as judge of the common pleas ia the 
county of Kent. 

A father so situated could not but cherish 
the intellectual powers of his progeny with the 
most careful attention. 

Christopher received all the advantages in 
the best line of education procurable in our 
country, which he took care to improve by the 
most assiduous application. 

He was particularly attached to the study 
of mathematics, in which he made great pro- 
ficiency, and thus laid up a stock of knowledge 
exactly suitable for that profession to which he 
was afterwards unexpectedly called. 

Exhibiting in early life his capacity and 
amiability, he was elected, by his native town 
when very young, to a seat in the colonial le- 
gislature, which he continued to fill by succes- 
sive elections until the commencement of the 
revolutionary war. At this period the legis- 
lature wisely established a military corps, 
styled, " Kentish guards," for the purpose of 
fitting the most select of her youth foi: mill- 



GREENE. n6 

tary office. la this corps young Greene was 
chosen a lieutenant, and in May, 1775, he was 
appointed by tlic legislature a major in what 
was then called " an army of observations"-^ 
one brigade of one thousand six hundred effec- 
tives, under the orders of his near relation, 
brigadier Greene, afterwards so celebrated. 

From this situation he was called to the 
command of a company of infantry, in one of 
the regiments raised by the state for continen* 
■tal service. The regiment to which he be- 
longed was attached to the army of Canada, 
conducted by general Montgomery, in the vi- 
cissitudes and difficuUies of which campaign 
captain Greene shared, evincing upon all oc- 
casions that unyielding intrepidity which mark- 
ed his military prowess in every after scene. 
In the attack upon Quebec, which terminated 
as well the campaign as the life of the re- 
nowned Montgomery, captain Greene belonged 
to the column which entered the lower town, 
and was made prisoner. 

Ilis elevated mind illy brooked the ills and 
irksomeness of captivity, though in the hands 
of the enlightened and humane Carleton ; and 
it has been uniformly asserted, that while a 
prisoner, Greene often declared that " he 
would never again be taken alive ;" a resolu- 
tion unhappily fulfilled. 

As soon as captain Greene was exchanged 
he repaired to his regiment, with which he 
continued without intermission, performing 
with exemplary propriety the various duties of 
his progressive stations, when he was promot- 
ed to the majority of ^'ivraum's regiment. In 



l^a GREENE. 

1777 he succeeded to the command of the r.egi 
ment, and was selected by Washington to take 
charge of fort Mercer, (commonly called Red 
Bank) the safe keeping of which post, witli 
that of fort Mifflin, (Mud Island) was very 
properly deemed of primary importance. 

The noble manner in which colonel Greene 
sustained himself against superior force of ve- 
teran troops, led by an officer of high renown, 
has been related, as also the well earned rewards 
which followed his memorable defence. Con- 
summating his military fame by his atchievc- 
ments on that proud day, he could not be over- 
looked by his discriminating leader, when 
great occasions called for great exertions. — 
Greene was accordingly detached with his regi- 
ment with the troops placed under major Sulli- 
van, for the purpose of breaking up the ene- 
my's post on Rhode Island, soon after the arri- 
val of the French fleet under count d*Estaing, 
in the summer of 1778, vdiich well concerted 
enterprise was marred in the execution by some 
of those incidents whicli abound in war, and 
especially when the enterprise is complicated 
and entrusted to allied forces, and requiring 
naval co-operation. Returning to head-quar- 
ters, colonel Greene continued to serve under 
the commander in chief, whose confidence and 
esteem he had truly merited, and invariably 
enjoyed. 

In the spring of 1781, when general Wash- 
ington began to expect the promised naval aid 
from our best friend, the ill-fated Louis the 
XVI, he occasionally approached the enemy's 



ihics on tke side of York island. In one of 
these movements, colonel Greene, ^vith a sui- 
table force, was posted on the Croton river, in 
advance of the army. On the other side of this 
river lay a corps of refugees, (American citi- 
^ens who had joined the Britisli army) under 
the command of colonel Delancey. These half 
citizens, half soldiers, were notorious for ra- 
pine and murder ; and to their vindictive con- 
duct may be justly ascribed most of the cruel- 
ties which stained the progress of our Avar, and 
which at length compelled Washington to of- 
der captain Asgill, of the British army, to be 
brought to head-quarters for the purpose of 
i^etaliating, by his execution, the murder of 
captain Huddy of New Jersey, perpetrated by 
a captain Lippineourt of the refugees. The 
commandant of these refugees, (Delancey was 
not present) having ascertained the position ef 
Greene's corps, wJiich the colonel had canton- 
ed in adjacent farm houses, probably with a 
view to the procurement of subsistence, took 
the resolution to strike it. This was accord- 
ingly done by a nocturnal move on the 13th of 
May. The enemy crossed the Croton before 
<lay liglit the next morning, and hastening his 
advance, reached our station with the dawn of 
day, unperceived. As he approached the farm 
house in which the lieutenant colonel was quar- 
tered, the noise of troops marching was heard, 
whieh was the first intimatio4i of the fatal de- 
sign. Greene and maj-or Flagg immediately 
jirepared tltemselves for defence, but they were 
tao late, so expeditious was the progress ©f 
the ^nemy. Flagg 4ischarged his pistols, and 



1^8 GREENE. 

instantly afterwards fell mortally wounded ? 
when the ruffians (unworthy the appellation of 
soldiers) hurst open the door of Greene's apart- 
ment. Here the gallant veteran singly receiv- 
ed them with his drawn sword. Several fell 
beneath the arm aecustomed to conquer, till 
at length overpowered by numbers, and faint 
from the loss of blood streaming from his 
wounds, barbarity Jtriumphed over valor. "His 
right arm was almost cut off in two places, the 
left in one, a severe cat on the left shoulder, 
a sword thrust through the abdomen, a bayo- 
net in the right side, and another through the 
abdomen, several sword cuts on the head, and 
many in different parts of the body." 

Thus cruelly mangled fell the generous con- 
queror of count Donop, whose wounds, as well 
as those of his unfortunate associates, had been 
tenderly dressed as soon as the battle termi- 
nated, and whose pains and sorrows had been 
us tenderly assuaged. How different was the 
relentless fury here displayed ! 

The commander in chief heard with unutte- 
rable anguish and deep indignation the tragi- 
cal fate of his much loved, highly trusted, and 
:feithful friend and soldier, in which feeling 
the army sincerely participated. On the sub- 
secjuent day the corpse was brought to head 
quarters, and his funeral was solemnized with 
military honors, every tongue announcing with 
sadness of sorrow the magnitude of our loss. 

Lieutenant colonel Greene was murdered in 
the meridian of life, being only forty-four years 
old. He married, in 1758, Miss Anne Lippit, 
a daughter of J. Lippit, Esquire, of Warwicli^ 



GREEISHE. ±09 

^liom lie left a widow with three sons and foiir 
daughters. He was stout and strong in sta- 
ture, about five feet ten inehes high, with a 
broad round chest, his aspect manly, and de- 
meanor pleasing ; enjoying always a high state 
of Jiealth, its bioom irradiated a countenance, 
which signiiicantly expressed the fortitude 
and mildness invariably displayed throughout 
his life. 

GREENE, Nathaniel, a major general in 
the army of the United States, was born in 
the town of Warwick, Rhode Island, about 
the year 1741. His parents were quakers. His 
father was an anchor srnitli, who was concern- 
ed in some valuable iron works, and trasaeted 
much business. While he w as a boy, he learn- 
ed the Latin language chiefly by his own unas- 
sisted industry. Having procured a small li- 
brary, his mind was much improved, though 
the perusal of military history occupied a con- 
siderable share of his attention. Such was the 
estimation, in which his character was held, 
that he was at an early period of life chosen a 
member of the assembly of Rhode Island. 

After the skirmishes at Lexington and Con- 
cord, when a spirit of resistance spread, like 
wild-fire, over the continent; Rhode Island 
was not deficient in her contributions for th<5 
general defence. She raised three regiments 
of militia, tlie command whereof was given to 
Mr. Greene, who was nominated brigadi<^r ge- 
neral. The liberty, safety, and pro^erity of 
his country being exposed to im»'nient danger^ 
the pacific principles of quakerism, in which 
he had been educated^ proved insufiUcient to 



IHO GREENE. 

combat the ardent spirit of Mbcpty, witb Aviiicl 
his bosom glowed. 

He led the troops, under his eommand, to 
Cambi'idge 5 and was present at the evacuation 
ef Boston^ hy a force, which in England had 
beeo Tauntingly stated as treble the number 
that would be requisite to dragoon America 
into unconditional submission. 

General Greene's merit and abilities, as well 
in the council as in the field, were not long un- 
noticed bj gene^'al Washington, who reposeit 
in him the utmost conlidence ; and paid a par- 
ticular deference to his advice and opinion, on 
all occasions of doubt and difficulty. This ex- 
cited the jealousy of several officers, of older 
date, and h%her rank, who were not wanting 
in endeavors to supplant him, but in vain ; 
the commander in chief knew and prized his 
worth as it deserved. 

He was appointed major general, by con-> 
gress, the twenty-sixth of August, 1776. To- 
wards the close of tliat year, he was at the 
Trenton surprise *, and, at the beginning of th« 
next, was at the battle of Princeton, two enter- 
prises not more happily planned than judicious- 
ly and bravely executed, in both of which he 
highly distinguished himself, serving his novi- 
ciate under the American Fabius. 

At the battle of Germantown, he command- 
ed the left wing of the American army ; and 
his utmost endeavors were exerted to retrieve 
the fortune of that day, in which his conduct 
met with tho approbation of the commander 
in chief. 



GREENE. 161 

In March, 1778, lie was appointed quarter- 
master-general, which office he accepted under 
a stipulation, that his rank in the army should 
not he affected by it, and that he should retain 
his right to command, in time of action, ac- 
cording to his rank and seniority. This he ex- 
ercised at the battle of Monmouth^ where he 
commanded the right wing of the army. 

About the middle of the same year, an at- 
tack being planned by the Americans, in con- 
junction with the French fleet, on the British 
garrison at Newport, llhode Island, general 
Sullivan was appointed to the command, under 
whom general Greene served. This attempt 
was unsuccessful ; the French fleet having sail- 
ed out of harbor, to engage lord Howe's fleet, 
they were dispersed by a storm : and the Ame- 
ricans were obliged to raise the siege of New- 
port, in doing which, general Greene display* 
ed a great degree of skill, in drawing off the 
army in safety. . 

After the hopes of the British generals, to 
execute some decisive stroke to the northward 
were frustrated, they turned their attention to 
the southern states, as less capable of defence, 
and more likely to reward the invaders with 
ample plunder. A grand expedition was, in 
consequence, planned at New -York, where the 
army embarked on the twenty-sixth of De- 
cember, 1779: they landed on the eleventh 
of February, 1780, within about thirty miles 
of Charleston, which, after a brave defence, 
was surrendered to sir Henry Clintrii, on the 
twelfth of May. 

3 



iS^ GBEEIVE, 

A series ofiU success followed this unfortu- 
Bate event. The American arms in South 
Carolina were in general unsuccessful; and 
the inhabitants were obliged to submit to the 
invaders, whose impolitic severity was ex- 
tremely ill calculated to answer any of the ob- 
jects for which the war had been commenced. 

Affairs were thus circumstanced, when gene- 
ral Washington appointed general Greene to 
the command of the American forces in the 
southern district. He arrived at Charlotte on 
the second day of December, 1780, accompani- 
ed by general Morgan, a brave officer, who had 
distinguished himself to the northward, in the 
expedition against Burgoyne. He found the 
Ibrees he was to command, reduced to a very 
amall number, by defeat and by desertion. The 
I'eturns were nine hundi*ed and seventy conti- 
Bentals, and one thousand and thirteen militia. 
Military stores, provisions, forage, and all 
things necessary, were, if possible, in a more 
reduced state than his army. His men were 
without pay, and almost without clothicg : and 
supplies of the latter were not to be had, but 
from a distance ef tw o hundred miles. In this 
perilous and embarrassed situation, he had to 
oppose a respectable and victorious army. For- 
tunately for him, the conduct of some of the 
friends of royalty obliged numbers, otherwise 
disposed to remain neuter, to take up arms in 
their own defence. This, and the prudent mea- 
sures the general took for removing the innu- 
merable difficulties and disadvantages he wa^ 
surrounded with, and for conciliating the af- 
fections of the inhabitants^ soon brought ta^ 



6BEENE. 1^3 

^ther a considerabk force ; far inferior, ho^i^ 
ever, to that of the British, who deemed the 
country perfectly subjugated. 

After he had recruited his forces Vfith all 
the friends to the revolution that he could as- 
semble, he sent a considerable detachment, 
under general Morgan, to the v^estem extrem- 
ities of the state, to protect the well disposed 
inhabitants from the rav^^es of the tories. 
This force, which was the iirst that had for a 
considerable time appeared there, on the side 
of the Americans, inspi/ed the friends of liber*^^ 
ly with new courage, so that numbers of them 
trouded to the standard of general Morgan, 
who at length became so formidable, that lord 
Cornwallis thought proper to send colonel 
Tarleton to dislodge him from the station he 
had taken* This officer was at the head of a 
thousand regular troops, and had two field pie- 
ces. He came up, on the seventeenth of Ja- 
nuary, 1781, at a place called Cowpens,. with 
general Morgan, whose force was much infe- 
rior, and was composed of two thirds militia, 
and one third continentals. An engagement 
"was the immediate consequence. 

Morgan gained a complete victory over an 
officer, the rapidity and success of whose at- 
tacks, until that time,^ might have entitled 
him to make use of the decl-aration of Csesar, 
*^ veni, vidi, vici." Upwards of five hundred 
of the British laid down their arms, and were 
made prisoners ; a very considerrble number 
were killed. Eight hundred stands of arms, 
tvif,a field-piece S;, and thirty- five baggage-wag- 



f64 tSREENE. 

gons fell to the victors, who had only twelve 
kilkd and sixty wounded. 

'Vhis brilliant success quite disconcerted the 
plan of operations formed by lord Cornwallis. 
Having entertained no idea of any enemy to op- 
pose in South Carolina, the conquest of which 
he deemed complete, he had made every pre- 
paration for carrying his arms to the north- 
ward, to gather the laurels which, he imagin- 
ed, awaited him. He now found himself oblig. 
ed to postpone this design. He marched with 
rapidity after general Morgan, in hopes not 
only to recover the prisoners, but to revenge 
Tarleton's losses. The American general, by 
a rapidity of movements, and the interference 
of providence, eluded his eiforts ; and genei«aj 
Greene effected a junction of the two divisions 
of his little army, on the 7th of FebruarY, 
Still was he so far inferior to lord Cornwallis> 
that he was obliged to retreat northward ; 
and, notwithstanding the vigilance and activity 
of his enemy, he brought his men in safety into 
Virginia. 

In Virginia, general Greene received some 
reinforcements, and had the promise of more ^ 
on which he returned again into North Caro- 
lina, where, on their arrival, he hoped to be 
able to act on the offensive. He encamped in 
the vicinity of lord Cornwallis's army. By a 
variety of the best concerted raano&uvres, he so 
judiciously supported the arrangement of his 
troops, by the secrecy and promptitude of his 
motions, that, during three weeks, while the 
enemy remained near him, he prevented them 
from taking any advantage of their superiority; 



GREEN£. 465 

'AuH even cut off all opportunity of therr reeeiy- 
sng succors from the royalists. 

About the beginning of March, he effected a 
Jilnetion with a continental regiment, and two 
eansiderable bodies of Virginia and Carolina 
militia. He then determined on attacking the 
British commander without loss of time, ** be- 
ing persuaded," as he declared in his subse- 
quent dispatches, " that, if he was successful, 
it would prove ruinous to the enemy ; and if 
otherwise, that it would be but a partial evil 
to him." On the 14th, he arrived at Guilford 
court-house, tlie British then lying at twelve 
miles distance. 

His army consisted of about four thousand 
five hundred men, of whom near two thirds 
were North Carolina and Virginia militia. — - 
The British were about two thousand fain' 
hundred ; all regular troops, and the greater 
part inured to toil and service in their long ex- 
pedition under lord Cornwallis, who, on the 
morning of the 15th, being apprized of general 
Greene's intentions, marched to meet him. — 
The latter disposed his army in three lines; 
the militia of North Carolina were in front ; 
the second line was composed of those of Vir- 
ginia ; and the third, which was the flower of 
the army, was formed of continental troops, 
near fifteen hundred in number. Tliey w^ei*e 
flanked on both sides by cavalry and riflemen, 
and were posted on a rising ground, a mile and 
a half from Guilford court-house. 

The engagement commenced, at half an 
houv after one o'clock, by a brisk cannonade ; 
iiftev which, the British advaaced ia three eo- 



166 GREENE. 

Inmns ; and attacked the first line, eomposeif 
as has heen observed, of North Carolina mili- 
tia. These, who, probably, had never been in 
action before, were panic struck at the ap- 
proach of the enemy ; and many of them ran 
away without firing a gun, ar being fired upon, 
and even before the British had come nearer 
than one hundred and forty yards to them. — 
Part of thera, however, fired : but they then 
followed the example of their comrades. Their 
oilicers made every possible effbrt to rally 
tliem ; but neither the advantages of their po- 
sition, nor any other consideration, could in- 
duce them to maintain their ground. Thts 
shameful cowardice had a great effect upon the 
issue of the battle. The next line, however, 
behaved much better. They fought with great 
bravery : and after they were thrown into dis- 
order, rallied, returned to the charge, and 
kept up a heavy fire for a long time; but 
were at length broken, and driven on the third 
line, when the engagement became general, 
very severe, and very bloody. At length, su- 
periority »f discipline carried the day from 
superiority of numbers. The conflict endured 
Tin hour and a half; and was terminated by 
general Greene's ordering a retreat, when he 
perceived, that the enemy were on tlie point of 
encircling his troops. 

This was a hard fought action. Lord Com- 
wallis stated his losses in killed, wounded, ^nd 
missing, at five hundred and thirty-two, among 
whom were several ofllcers of considerable 
rank. But this battle was, nevertheless, de- 
cisive in its consequences. Lord Cornwallis 



GREEME. m 

\tas, tlircc days after, obliged to make a re- 
trograde motion ; and to return to Wilmington, 
situated two hundred miles from the scene of 
action. He was even under the necessity of 
abandoning a considerable number of thoso 
who were most dangerously wounded. 

The loss of the Americans was about four 
hundred killed and wounded. However, this 
was not severely felt as the desertion of a 
considerable number of militia, who fled 
homewardsr* and came no more near the 
army. 

Some time after the battle of Guilford, ge- 
neral Greene determined to return to South 
Carolina, to endeavor to expel the British 
from that state. His first object was to at- 
tempt the reduction of Camden, where lord 
Rftwdon was posted, with about nine hundred 
men. The strength of this place, which was 
covered on the south and east side by a river 
and creek ; and to the westward and north- 
ward, by six redoubts; rendered it impracti- 
cable to carry it by storm, with the small 
army general Greene had, consisting of about 
seven hundred continentals. He therefore en- 
camped at about a mile fit)m the town, in or- 
der to prevent supplies from being brought in. 
and to take advantages of such favorable cir- 
cumstances as might occur. 

Lord Rawdon's situation was extremely deli- 
cate. Colonel A¥atson, whom he had some 
time before detached, for the protection of the 
eastern frontiers, and to whom he had, on in- 
telligence of general Greene's intentions, sent 
orders to return to Caraden, Avas so effectu^Jly 



1^8 GREENE. 

-v^^atched by general Marian, tliat it was inij>a^,> 
sible for him to obey. His lordship's supplies 
>vere, moreover, very precarious ; and should: 
general Greene's reinforcements arrive, he 
might be so closely invested, as to be at length 
obliged to surrender. In this dilemma, the best 
expedient, that suggested itself, was a bold at- 
tack : for which purpose, he armed every per- 
son with him, capable of carrying a musket, 
not excepting his musicians and drummers.—* 
He sallied out on the twenty-iifth of April; 
and attacked general Greene in liis camp.— 
The defence was obstinate : and for some part 
of the engagement, the advantage appeared to 
be in lavor of America. Lieutenant colonel 
Waslilngton, who commanded the cavalry, liad 
•at one tim€ not less than two hundred Britisli 
prisoners. However, by the misconduct of one 
of the American regiments, victory was snatch- 
ed from general Greene, wlio ^vas compelled 
to retreat. He lost in the action about two 
hundred killed, wounded, and prisoners. Raw- 
don lost about two hundred and fifty eight. 

TJiere Avas a great similarity between the 
consequences of the affair at Guilford, and 
those of this action. In the former, lord 
Cornwallis was successful ; but was after- 
Avards obliged to retreat, two hundred miles 
from the scene of action, and for a time aban- 
doned the grand object of penetrating to the 
northward. In the latter, lord Rawdon had 
the honor of the field ; but Avas shortly after 
reduced to the neces^ty of abandoning his 
post, and leaving behind him a number of bick 
and Avoundcd. 



^lifa« evacuation of Camden, witli the vigi- 
lance of general Greene, and the several offi- 
cers he employed, gave a new complexion to 
affairs in South Carolina, where Die British 
ascendancy declined more rapidly tlian it had 
been esstablished. The numerous forts, garri- 
soned by the enemy, fell, one after the other, 
into the hands of the Americans. Orange- 
burg, Motte, Watson, Georgetown, Granby^ 
' and all the others, fort iKTinety-Six excepted, 
were surrendered ; and a very considerable 
number of prisoners of war, with military 
stores and artillery, were found in them. 

On the twenty-secottd of May, general 
Greene sat down before Ninety-Six, with the 
main part of his little army. The siege was 
carried on for a considerable time with great 
spirit ; and the place was defended with equal 
bravery. At length, the worlds were so far 
reduced, that a surrender must have been 
made in a few days, when a reinforcement of 
three regiments, from Europe, arrived at 
Charleston, which enabled lord Rawdon to 
proceed to relieve this important post. The 
superiority of the enemy's force reduced gene- 
ral Greene to the alternative of abandoning 
the siege altogether, or, previous to their ar- 
rival, of attempting the fort by storm. I'hc 
latter was more agreeable to his enterprising 
spirit : and an attack was made, on the morn- ' 
Ing of the 19th of June. He was repulsed, 
with the loss of one hundred and fifty men.— ^ 
He raised the siegCj and retreated ovet the 
.3'afluda. 



Dr. Ramsay, speaking of the state of affair** 
about this period, says, " truly distressing was 
the situation of the American army : when in 
the grasp of victory, to be obliged to Expose 
themselves to a hazardous assault, and after- 
wards to abandon a siege. When they were 
nearly masters of the whole country, to be 
compelled to retreat to its extremity ; and after 
subduing the greatest part of the force sent 
against them, to be under the necessity of en- 
countering still greater reinfoii'cements, when 
their remote situation precluded them from 
the hope of receiving a single »recruit. In this 
gloomy situation, there were not wanting per- 
sons who advised general Greene to leave the 
state, and retire with his remaining foi'ces to 
Virginia. To arguments and suggestions of 
this kind he nobly replied, «* I will recover the 
country,, or die in the attempt.'* This distin- 
guished officer, whose genius was most vigo- 
ri)us in those extremities, when feeble minds 
abandon themselves to despair, adopted the 
only resource, now?left him, of avoiding an en- 
gagement, until the British force stould be di- 
vided." 

Some skirmishes, of no great moment, took 
place between the detached parties of both ar- 
mies in July and August. September the 9 th, 
general Greene having assembled about two 
thousand men, proceeded to attack the British^ 
who, under the command of col. Stewart, 
were posted at Eutaw Springs. The Ameri- 
can force was drawn up in two lines ; the first, 
composed of Carolina militia, was commanded 
Jjy generals Marian and Pickens, and (jploncl 



GREENE. iri 

Be Malmetly. The second, tvLjcU consisteil^ 
of continental troops from North Carolina, 
Virginia, and Maryland, was commanded by 
general Sumpter, lieutenant-colonel Campbell, 
and colonel Williams ; lietenant colonel Lee, 
with his legion, covered the right flank ; an(jl 
lieutenant-colonel Hendei-^on, with the state 
troops, covered the left. A corps de reserve 
was formeil of the cavalry, under lieutenant- 
colonel Washington, and tlie Delaware troops 
under capt. Kirkwood. As the Americans 
came forward to the attack, they fell in with 
some advanced parties of the enemy, at about 
two or three miles a-head of the main body. — 
These being closely pursued were driven 
back, and the action soon became general. — 
The militia were at length forced to give way, 
but were bravely supported by the second linew 
In the hottest part of the engagement, gene- 
ral Greene ordered the Maryland and Virgi- 
nia continentals to chai'ge with trailed arms. 
This decided the fate of the day. « Nothing,'' 
says Dr. Ramsay, ** could surpass the intrepi- 
dity of both officers and men on this occasion^. 
They rushed on in good order through a heavy 
cannonade, and a shower of musquctry, with 
such unshaken resolution, that they bore down 
all before them.*' The British were broken, 
closely pursued, and upwards of five hundred 
of them taken prisoners. They however made 
a fresh stand, in a favorable position, in impe- 
netrable shrubs and a picquetted garden. — 
Lieutenant colonel Washington, after having 
made every eifort to dislodge them, w as wound- 
ed and taken prisoner. Four six pounders' 



were brought fonvard to play upon tliein, But 
they fell into their haniTs ; and tlie endeavor* 
to drive them from their station being found 
impracticable, the Americans retired, leaving 
^ strong picquet on the field of battle. Their, 
loss was about five kundred ; that of the Brr-. 
tish upwards of eleven hundred. 

General Greene was honored by congress 
•with a Britisli A||idard, and a gold medal, em- 
blematical of the engagement and success^ 
*'* for his wise, decisive, and magnanimous con- 
duet, in the action at Eutaw springs, in which, 
with a force infe»ior in number to that of the 
ent^my, he obt^ned a most signal victory.'^ 

In the evening of the succeeding day, colonel 
Stewart abandoned his post, and retreated to- 
wards Charleston, leaving behind upwards of 
seventy of his wounded, and a thousand stands 
of arms. He was pursued a considerable dis-- 
tance ; but in vain. 

The battle of Eutaw produced most signal 
oonsequences in favour of America. The Bri- 
tish, w ho had for such a length of time lorded 
it absolutely in South Carolina, w ere, shortly 
after that event, obliged to confine themselves 
in Charleston, whence they never ventured but 
to make predatory excursions, with bodies of 
•avalry, which in general met with a very 
warm and very unwelcome reception. 

During the relaxation that followed, a dan- 
gerous plot was formed, by some turbulent and 
mutinous persons in the army, to deliver up 
their brave general to the British. This trea- 
sonable design owed its rise to the hardships, 
wants^ and calamities of the soldiers, wha 



GREENE. 173 

'were ill paid, ill clothed and ill fed. The con- 
spirators did not exceed twelve in number ; and 
a providential discovery defeated the project. 

The surrender of lord Cornwallis, whose en- 
terprising spirit had been by the British mi- 
nistry expected to repair the losses, and wipe 
away the disgrace, which had been incurred 
through the inactivity and indolence of other 
generals, having convinced them of the im- 
practicability of subjugating America, they 
discontinued offensive operations in every quar- 
ter. From the beginning of the year 1782, it 
was currently reported, that Charleston was 
speedily to be evacuated : it was officially an- 
nounced the seventh of August ; but it did cot 
take place until the seventeenth of Decemberr 

The happy period at length arrived, when, 
by the virtue and bravery of her sons, aided 
by the bounty of heaven, America compelled 
her invaders to recognise her independence. — 
Then her armies quitted the tented fields, and 
retired to cultivate the arts of peace and hap- 
piness. Amongst the rest, general Greene, re- 
visited his native country, where he proved 
himself as valuable a citizen^ as the Carolinas 
had witnessed him a gallant officer. Dissen- 
sions and jealousies had extended their destruc- 
tive influence among the Rhode Islanders, whose 
animosity had arisen to such a degree, as to 
threaten the most serious ill consequences:— 
general Greene exerted himself to restore bar-' 
mony and peace amongst them once more ; 
and was happily successful. 

In October, 1785, he sailed to Georgia, 
where he had a considerable estate, not far dis- 
P3 



±U GREENE. 

tant froln Savannah. Here he passed away 
liis time, occnpied in his domestic concerns, 
until the hour of his mortality approached. — 
Walking out one day in June, 1786, he was 
overpowered hy the extreme heat of the sun^, 
which hrought on a disorder that carried him 
off, a few days after, on the If th of the same- 
month. 

When the melancholy account of his death 
arrived at Savannah, the people were struck 
with the deepest sorrow. All husiness was 
suspended. The shops and itores throughout 
the town were shut ; and the shipping in the 
harhor had their colours half-masted. 

The hody was hrought to Savannah, and in- 
terred on the 20th. The funeral procession 
was attended by the Cincinnati, militia, &e. &e. 
Immediately after the interment of the 
•orpse, the members of the Cincinnati retired 
to the coffee-house in Savannah, and came to 
the following resolution : 

** That as a token of the high respect and 
veneration in which this society hold the me- 
mory of their late illustrious brother, major- 
general Greene, deceased, George Washington 
Greene, his eldest son, be admitted a member 
©f this society, to take his seat on his arriv- 
ing at the age of 18 years." 

General Greene left behind him a wife, and 
five children. 

On Tuesday the 12th of August, 7786, the 
United States, in congress assembled, came to 
the following resolution ; 

" That a monument be erected to the memo- 
ry of IS^athaniel Greene, Esq. at the seat of 



HALE. i75 

the federal government, with the following in- 
seription : 

Sacred to the memory of 

NATHANIEL GREENE, Esq, 

Who departed this life, 

'The nineteenth of June, mdcclxxxvi : 

Late MAJOR GENERAI. 

In the service of the United States, 

And commander of their army 

In the southern department. 

The United States, in congress assemhlejl. 

In honor of his 

Patriotism, valor, and ability. 

Have erected this monument/' 

HALE, Nathan, captain in colonel Knowi? 

ton's regiment of light infantry, wa^ a native 

of Connecticut. 

The following narrative exhibits a ease ana- 
logous to that of major Andre, and surely while 
Americans regret the fate of an enemy, the he- 
roic sufferings of their own countrymen should 
not be forgotten or unlamented. 

After the defeat the American arms sustain* 
ed from the British on Long Island, August 27, 
1776, general Washington called a council of 
war, who determined upon an immediate re- 
treat to New York. The intention Avas pru- 
dently concealed from the army, who knew 
not whither they were going, but imagined it 
was to attaek tlie enemy. The field artillery, 
tents, baggage, and about 9000 men were con- 
veyed to the city of New York, over East river^ 
more than a mile wide, in less than thirteen 
hours, and without the knowledge of the Bri- 
tisb, though not six hundred yards distance; 



ire HALE. 

Providence in a remarkable manner favored 
the retreating army. The wind, wliich seem- 
ed to prevent tlie troops getting over at the 
appointed hour, afterwards shifted to their 
wishes; towards morning an extreme thick 
fog came on, which hovered over Long Island, 
and, hy concealing the Americans, enabled 
them to complete their retreat without inter- 
ruption, though the day had begun to daAvn 
gome time before it was finished. In about 
half an hour after the Island Avas finally aban- 
doned, the fog cleared off, and the British 
were seen taking possession of the American 
lines. 

Perhaps the fate of America was never sus- 
pended on a more brittle thread, than previ- 
ously to this memorable retreat. A spectacle 
is here presented of an army, destined for the 
defence of a great continent, driven to the nar- 
row borders of an island, with a victorious ar- 
my of double its number in front, with naviga- 
ble waters in its rear ; constantly liable to have 
its communication cut off by the enemy's navy, 
and every moment exposed to an attack. The 
presence of mind which animated the comman- 
der in chief in this critical situation, the pru- 
dence with which all the necessary measures 
were executed, redounded as much or more to 
his honor than the most brilliant victories. An 
army, to which America looked for safety, pre- 
served — a general, wlio was considered as an 
host himself, saved for the future necessity of 
his country ! Had not, however, the circum- 
stances of the night, of the wind and weather 
been favorable, the plan, however well concert- 



HALE. 177 

cif, must have been defeated. To « good Pro- 
vidence, therefore, are the people of America 
indebted for the complete success of an enter- 
prise so important in its consequences. 

This retreat left the British in complete pos- 
session of Long Island. What could be their 
future operations remained uncertain. To 
obtain information of their situation, their 
strength and future movements was of high 
importance. For this purpose general Wash- 
ington applied to colonel Knowlton, who com- 
manded a regiment of light infantry, which 
fornicd the van of the American army, and 
desired him to adopt some mode of gaining 
the necessary information. Colonel Knowlton 
communicated this request to captain Nathan 
Hale, of Connecticut, who was then a captain 
in his regiment. 

This young officer, animated by a sense of 
duty, and considering that an opportunity pre- 
sented itself by which he might be useful to 
his country, at once offered himself a volun- 
teer for this hazardous service. He passed in 
disguise to Long Island, examined every part 
of the British army, and obtained the best pos- 
sible information respecting their situation and 
future operations. 

In his attempt to return he was apprehend- 
ed, carried before sir William Howe, and the 
proof of his object was so clear, that he frank- 
ly acknowledged who he was, and what were 
his views. 

Sir William Howe at once gave an order to 
the provost marshal to execute him the next 
morning. 



m HALE. 

This order was accordingly executed in a 
most unfeeling manner, and by as great a sa- 
vage as ever disgraced humanity. A clergy- 
man, whose attendance he desired was refused 
him ; a bible for a few moments devotion was 
not procured, although he requested it. Let- 
ters, which, on the morning of his execution, 
he wrote to his mother and other friends, were 
destroyed ; and this very extraordinary reason 
given by the provost marshal, « that the rebels 
should not know th«y had a man in their army: 
who could die with so much firmness." 

Unknown to all around him, without a sin- 
gle friend to offer him the least consolation, 
thus fell as amiable and as worthy a young 
man as America could boast, with this, as his 
dying observation — that " he only lamented 
that he had but one life to lose for his coun- 
try." 

Although the manner of tliis execution will 
ever be|abhorred by every friend to humanity 
and religion, yet there cannot be a question 
but that the sentence was conformable to the 
rules of war and the practice of nations in si- 
milar cases. 

It is, however, a justice due to the character 
of captain Hale to observe, that his motives for 
engaging in this service were entirely different 
from those which generally influence others in 
similar circumstances. 

Neither expectation of promotion, nor pecu- 
niary reward, induced him to this attempt. A. 
sense of duty, a hope that he might in this 
way be useful to his country, and an opinion 
%yhich he had adopted, that every kind of ser* 



iflAMlLTON. US 

Jiice iieeessai7 to the public good became hono- 
rable by being necessary ; were the great mo- 
tives which induced him to engage in an enter- 
prise l)y >Yhich his connexions lost a most ami-, 
able friend, and his country one of its most 
promising supporters. 

The fate of this unfortunate young man ex- 
cites the most interesting reflections. 

To see such a character, in the flower of 
youth, cheerfully treading in the most hazar- 
dous paths, influenced by the purest intentions, 
and only emulous to do good to his country, 
without the imputation of a crime, fall a vic- 
tim to policy, must have been wounding to the 
feelings even of his enemies. 

Should a comparison be drawn between ma- 
jor Andre and captain Hale, injustice wouhl be 
done to the latter should he not be placed on 
an equal ground with the former. While al- 
most every historian of the Jlmerican revolution 
has celebrated tlie virtues and lamented the 
fate of Andre, Hale has remained unnoticed, 
and it is scarcely known such a character 

nA]\nLTON, Alexander, first secretary 
of the treasury of the United States, Mas a na- 
tive of the island of St. Croix, and was born 
in 1757. His father was the younger son of 
an Knglish family, and his mother was an 
American. At the age of sixteen he accom- 
panied his mother to New York, and entered 
a student of Columbia college, in which he 
continued about three years. While a mem- 
ber of tliis institution the first buddings of his 
intellect gave presages of his future eminence. 



t$0 HAMILTON, 

The contest with Great Britain called fovih 
the first talents on each side, and his juvenile 
pen asserted the claims of the colonies against 
very respectahle 'writers. His papers exhibit- 
ed such evidence oi* intellect and Avisdom, that 
they >vere ascribed to ^Mr, Jay, and when the 
4ruth was discovered, America saw with asto- 
nishment a lad of seventeen in the list of her 
tible advocates. At the age of eighteen he en- 
tered the American army as an officer of ar- 
tillery. The first sound of war awakened his 
martial spirit, and as a soldier he soon concili- 
ated the regard of his brethren in arms. It 
was not long befdre he attracted the notice of 
Washington, who in 1777 selected him as an 
aid with the rank of lieutenant colonel. His 
«ound understandings comprehensive views, ap- 
plication, and promptitude soon gained him the 
entire confidence of his patron. In such a 
school, it was impossible but that his genius 
should be nourished. By intercourse with 
Washington, by surveying his plans, observ- 
ing his consummate prudence, and by a mi- 
nute inspection of tlie springs of national 
operations he became fitted for command. 
Throughout the campaign, which terminated 
in the capture of lord Cornwallis, colonel 
Hamilton commanded a battalion of light in- 
fantry. At the siege of York in 1781, when 
the second parallel was opened, two redoubts, 
which fianked it and were advanced three 
hundred yards in front of the British works, 
very much annoyed the men in the trenches. 
It was resolved to possess them, and to pre- 
vent jealousies the attack of the one was cpitt- 



HAMILTON. 181 

iuitteil to the Americans and of the other to 
the French. The detachment of the Ameri- 
cans was commanded hy the marquis de Ja 
Fayette, and colonel Hamilton, at his own 
earnest request, led the advanced <}orps, con- 
sisting of two battalions. Towards the close 
of the day on the fourteenth of October, the 
troops rushed to the charge Avithout firing a 
single gun. The works were a^ssaulled with 
irrcsistable impetuosity, and carried with bnt 
little loss. Eight of the enemy fell in the ac- 
tion ; but notwithstanding the irritation lately 
produced by the infamous slaughter in fort 
Griswold, not a man was killed who ceased to 
resist. 

Soon after the capture of Cornwallis, lia- 
niilton sheathed his sword, and being encum- 
bered with a family and destitute of funOs, at 
the age of twenty-five applied to the study of 
the law. In this profession he soon rose ta 
distinction. But his private pursuits could not 
detach him from regard to the public welfare. 
The violence which was meditated against tbc 
property and persons of all, who remained in 
the city during the war, called forth his gene- 
rous exertions, and by the aid ot governoi^ 
Clinton the faithless and revengeful scheme 
was defeated. In a few years a more impor- 
tant affair demanded his talents. AftcD wit- 
nessing the debility of the confederation lie 
was fully impressed with the necessity of an 
efficient general government, and he was ap» 
pointed in 1787 a member of the federal con- 
vention for New York. lie assisted in form- 
ing the constitution of our country. It did 



4^2 HAMILTON, 

not indecil completely meet his wishes. He \\M 
afraid, that it did not contain sufficient ineang 
of strength for its own preservation, and that 
in Consequence Ave should share the fate oi' 
many other repuhlics and pass through anar- 
chy to despotism. He was in favor of a more 
permanent executive and senate. He wished 
i<>r a strong government, which would not he 
shaken hy the conflict of difi'erent interests 
through an extensive territory, and which 
should he adequate to all the forms of nation- 
al exigency. He was apprehensive, that the 
increased wealth and population of the states 
would lead to encroacliments on the union, and 
he anticipated the day, when the general go- 
vernment, unahle to support itself, would fall. 
These were his views and feelings, and he free- 
ly ex;jressed them. But the patriotism of Ha- 
milton was not of that kind, which yields eve- 
ry thing, because it cannot accomplish all, that 
it desires. Believing the constitution to he in- 
comparably superior to the old confederation, 
he exerted all his talents in its support, though 
it did not rise to his conception of a perfect 
system. By his pen in the papers signed Puh- 
lius, and by his voice in the convention of New 
York he contributed much to its adoption. 
When the government was organized in 1789, 
Washington placed him at the head of the trea- 
sury. In the new demands, which were now 
made upon his talents, the resources of his 
mind did not fail him. In his reports he pro- 
posed plans for funding the debt of the union 
and for assuming the debts of the respective 
states, for establishing a bank and mint, and 



HAMILTOX tsr, 

for procuring a revenue. He Avislied to re- 
deem the reputation of his country by satisfy- 
ing her creditors, and to combine with the go- 
\ vernment such a monied interest, as might fa- 
cilitate its operations. But while he opened 
sources of wealth to thousands by establishing 
public credi^vand thus restoring the public paper 
to its origirial vahie, he did not enricli him- 
self. He did not take advantage of his situa- 
tion, nor improve the opportunity he enjoyed 
for acquiring a fortune. Though accused of 
amassing wealth, ho did not vest a dollar in 
the public funds. He was exquisitely delicate 
in regard to his official character, being de- 
termined if possible to prevent the impeach- 
ment of his motives, and preserve his integri- 
ty and good name unimpaired. 

In the early stage of the administration a 
disagreement existed between Mr. Hamilton 
and the secretary of state, Mr. Jefferson, 
which increased till it issued in such open 
hostility, and introduced such confusion in the 
cabinet, that Washington found it necessary 
to address a letter to each, recommending for- 
bearance and moderation. Mr. Hamilton was 
apprehensive of danger from the encroachment 
of the states and wished to add new strength 
to the general government ; while Mr. Jeffer- 
son entertained little jealousy of the state so- 
vereignties, and was rather desirous of check- 
ing and limiting the exercise of the national 
authorities, particularly the power of the exe- 
cutive. Other points of difference existed, and 
a reconciliation could not be effected. In the 
beginning of 1793, after intelligence of the 



I8i HAIMILTON. 

rupture between France and Great Britaiir 
liad been received, Hamilton, as one of the 
cabinet of the president, supported the opi- 
nion, that the treaty with France was no lon- 
,qer binding, and that a nation might absolve 
itself from the obligations of real treaties, 
Avhen such a change takes place in the inter- 
nal situation of the other contra^eting party, 
as renders the continuance of the connexion 
disadvantages or dangerous. He advised there- 
fore, that the expected French minister should 
not be received in an unqualified manner. The 
secretary of state on the other hand was^^ of 
opinion that the revolution in France had pro- 
duced no change in the relations between the 
two countries, and could not weaken the obli- 
gation of treaties ; and this opinion was em- 
braced by Washington. The advice of Ha- 
milton Avas ibllowed in regard to the insurrec-. 
tion in Pennsylvania in 179^ and such a de- 
tachment was sent out under bis own com- 
mand, that it was suppressed without effusion 
of blood. He remained but a short time af 
tcrwards in office. As his property had been 
Avastod in the public service, the care «f a ris- 
ing family made it his duty to retire, that by 
renewed exertions in his profession he might 
provide for their support. He aecordingly re- 
signed his office on the last of January 1795. 

When the provisional army Avas raised in 
1798, in consequence of the injuries and de- 
mands of France, Washington suspended his 
acceptance of the command of it on the 
condition, that Hamilton should be his asso- 
ciate and the second in command. This ar » 



HAMILTON. 18^ 

i^angeinent was accordingly made. After the 
adjustment of our dispute with the Frencli re- 
public, and the discharge of the army, he re- 
turned again to his profession in the city of 
Kew York. 

In June 1804 colonel Burr, \ice president of 
the United States, addressed a letter to gene*^ 
ral Hamilton, requiring his acknowledgment 
or denial of the use of any expression deroga» 
tory to the honor of the former. This de- 
mand was deemed inadmissible, and a duel 
was the consequence. After the close of the 
<jircuit court, the parties met at Ifobokcn on 
the morning of Wednesday, July the eleventh^ 
and Hamilton fell on the same spot, where his 
-son a r«w years before had fallen, in obedience 
to the same principle of honor, and in the same 
violation of the laws of God and of man. He 
was carried into the city, and being desirous of 
receiving the sacrament of the Lord's supper, 
he immediately sent for the reverend Dr. Ma- 
son. As the principles of his church jirohibit- 
ed him from administering the ordinance in pri- 
vate, this minister of the gospel informed gene- 
ral Hamilton, that the sacrament was an exhi- 
bition and pledge of the mercies, which the Son 
of God has purchased, and that the absence of 
the sign did not exclude from the mercies sig- 
nided, which were accessible to him by faith 
in their gracious Author. He replied, "lam 
aware of that. It is only as a sign that I 
wanted it." In the conversation, which ensu- 
ed, he disavowed all intention of taking the 
life of colonel Burr, and declared his abhor- 
rence of the whole transaction. "When the sin> 
q2 



186 HAMILTON. 

»f which he had been guilty, was intimated to 
him, he assented with strong emotion^ and 
when the infinite merit of tlie Redeemer, as 
the propitiation for sin, the sole ground of our 
acceptance with God, was suggested, lie said 
with empliasis, <* I have a tender reliance on 
the mercy of the Almighty through tlie me- 
rits of the Lord Jesus Christ.'^ The reverend 
bishop Moore was afterwards sent for, and af- 
ter making suitable inquiries of the penitence 
and faith of general Hamilton, and receiving 
his assurance, that he would never again, if 
restored to health, be engaged in a similar 
transaction, but would employ all his influence 
in society to discountenance the barbarous cus- 
tom, administered to him the communion. Af- 
ter this his mind was composed. He expired 
about two o'clock on Thursday July 12, 1804, 
aged about forty seven years. 

General Hamilton possessed very uncommon 
powers of mind. To whatever subject he di- 
rected his attention, he was able to grasp it, 
and in whatever he engaged, in tliat he excell- 
ed. So stupendous were his talents and so pa- 
tient was his industry, that no investigation 
presented difficulties, which he could not con- 
quer. In the class of men of intellect he held 
the first rank. His eloquence was of the most 
interesting kind, and when new exertions were 
rexjuired, he rose in new strength, and touch- 
ing at his pleasure every string of pity or ter- 
ror, of indignation or grief, he bent the pas- 
sions of others to his purpose. At the bar he 
gained tin? fir»t eminence. 



hamilto:n. isr 

With regard to his political designs the most 
contradictory opinions were entertained. While 
one party believed his object to be the preseva- 
tion of the present constitution, the other par- 
ty imputed to him the intention of subverting 
it; his friends regarded him as an impartial 
statesman, while his enemies perceived in his 
conduct only hostility to France and attach- 
ment to her rival. Whatever may be the de- 
cision with regard to the correctness of his 
principles, his preference of his country's in- 
terest to his own cannot be questioned by 
those, who are acquainted with his character. 
He took no measure to secure a transient po- 
pularity, but, like every true friend of his 
country, was willing to rest his reputation 
upon the integrity of his conduct. So far was 
he from flattering the people, that he more 
than once dared to throw himself into the tor- 
rent, that he might present some obstruction 
to its course. He was an honest politician ; 
and his frankness has been commended even 
by those, who considered his political princi- 
ples as hostile to the American^jipnfederated 
republic. His views of the necessity of a firm 
general government rendered him a decided 
friend of the union of the American states. 
His feelings and language were indignant to- 
wards every thing, which pointed at its disso- 
lution. His hostility to every influence, which 
leaned towards the project, was stern and stea- 
dy, and in every shape it encountered his re- 
probation. No man, of those, who were not 
friendly to the late administration, possessed 
so wide and commanding an influence ; and he 



188 HAMILTOK, 

seems not to have been ignorant of the elevat- 
ed height, on which he stood. In assigning 
the reasons for accepting the challenge of co- 
lonel Burr, while he seems to intimate his ap- 
prehensions, that the debility of the general 
goveinment would be followed by convulsions, 
he also alludes to the demand which might be 
made upon his military talents. His words are, 
** the ability to be in future useful, whether in 
resisting mischief or effecting good, in those 
crisis of our public affairs, which seem likely 
to happen, would probably be inseparable frorn^ 
a conformity with public prejudice in this par^ 
ticular." 

With all his preeminence of talents, and 
amiable as he was in private life, general Ha- 
milton is yet a melancholy proof of the infiu^ 
cnce, which intercourse with a depraved world 
has in perverting the judgment. In principle 
he was opposed to duelling, his conscience was 
not hardened, and he was not indifferent to the 
happiness of his wife and children ; but na 
consideration was strong enough to prevent 
him from exposing his life in single combat. 
His own views of usefulness were followed in 
contrariety to the injunctions of his Maker 
and Judge. He had been for some time con- 
vinced of the truth of Christianity, and it was 
his intention, if his life had been spared, to 
have written a work upon its evidences. 

General Hamilton possessed many friends, 
and he was endeared to them, for he was gen- 
tle, tender, and benevolent. While he was 
great in the eyes of the world, familiaiity 
with him only increased the regard in ivhich 



ilAivfCOCK. 189 

ke was held. In liis person lie was siball^ and 
short in stature. He married a daugliter of 
general Soliuyler, and left an afflicted widow 
and a number of children to mourn his loss. 

He published the letters of Phocion, which 
were in favor of the loyalists after the peace. 
The Federalist, a series of essays, which ap- 
peared in the public papers in the interval be- 
tween the publication and the adoption of the 
constitution of the United States, or soon after, 
and which was designed to elucidate and sup- 
port its principles, was written by him in con- 
junction with Mr. Jay and Mr. Madison. He 
wrote all the numbers, excepting numbers 2, 
3, 4, 5, and 5i, which were written by Mr. 
Jay ; numbers 10, li and 37 to 48 inclusive 
by Mr. Madison; and numbers 18, 19 and 20, 
whieii he and Mr. Madison wrote conjointly. 
This work has been published in two volumes, 
and is held in the highest estimation. His re- 
ports while secretary of the treasury are very 
long, and display great powers of mind. 

HANCOCK, John, Governor of Massachu- 
setts, Avas the son of the Reverend John Han. 
cock of Braintree, and was born about the 
year 1737. He was graduated at Harvard 
college in 1754. On the death of his uncle, 
Thomas Hancock, Esquire, he received a very 
considerable fortune, and soon became an emi- 
nent merchant. He was for several years, 
selectman of the town ; and in 1766, he was 
chosen a member of the house of Representa- 
tives for Boston. He there blazed a whig of 
the first magnitude. Otis, Cusliing, and Sa- 
muel Adams;, were the other three, who reprc - 



190 HANCOCK^ 

sentcd the capital, men of name in the revoiii 
tion of their country. Being fond of publi? 
notice, lie \va& flattcied by the approbation of 
the people, with their marks of confidence, and 
the distinction lie had in the general court. — 
He often gave his opinion when questions were 
before the house, and mingled in the debates, 
but possessed no great powers as a parliamen- 
tary speakcf. He never made a long speech, 
either in the style 6f declamatory eloquence, 
t)r the masterly reasoning of a great states- 
man. The political sagacity of Adams, the 
public spirit and patriotic zeal of Hancock, 
gave a lustre to the Boston seat. Perhaps 
there never was a time when the representa- 
tives of the capital had such an inllirence in 
the affairs of the province. There was a col- 
lision of sentiment amoog the leading whigs 

about the removal of the c<?urt to Boston 

Hutchinson offered this upon certain condi- 
tions, which the majopity of members saw fit 
to comply with. Mr. Hancock voted with 
them. Adams was against the measure, and 
expressed his sentiments in oppo^tion to his 
friend and colleague. Mr. Hancock was a 
man impatient of contradiction, and, upon 
some occasions, indulged a petulant humor. — 
He could not bear the opposition of Mr. Adams 
en this question. It was one cause of the 
alienation between them. That gentleman 
was cool and determined, hard and unyielding, 
as well as bold in his argument. He sometimes 
was sarcastic in his replies ; but upon the sub- 
ject which then divided the house, he observed 
the utmost delicacv, and seemed to dread tko 



HANeOCK. i^l 

i«<>nBcqueiiee of this political difference. These 
gcntleaieii had different vicAvs, though equally 
zealous in their opposition to the mother coun- 
try. Or else one looked further than the 
other. Mr. Hancock Avas not against a recon- 
ciliation, if Great Britain would repeal all her 
unjust acts, and pay due respect to the rights 
of the colonies. Adams did not wish the an- 
cient friendship should be renewed. From the 
time of the stamp act, he saw that hostilities 
would commence, and the American colonies 
hecome a nation by themselves. He wat de- 
sirous of being an actor in the most important 
scenes, and have his name handed down to 
posterity among the patriots, who were to Ibrm 
a new fera in the revolution of empires. 

The division of tliese two leading characters 
made ]>arties among the whigs, especially is 
the town of Boston. Mr. Hancock was the 
idol of the people. His generosity upon all 
public occasions, and kindness to individuals, 
were tlie theme of continual and loud applause. 
It was said that his Ireart was open as the day 
to acts of beneficence : that he sunk his for- 
tune in the cause of his eountry. This was 
the prevailing idea, and it gave a perfume to 
the sacrifice. What bounds could be given to 
the people's affection to a num, who preferred 
" their loving favor to great riches V 

He was certainly the most popular man in 
the community. Nor Avas his popularity ti 
transient thing. At future periods of our re- 
volution, when attempts Avere made to depre- 
ciate him ; when other characters were 
brought forAyard Avhose merit Avas conspicu-- 




ous ; and even when he was accused, isi the 
puhlications of the day, of wanting quaiii! ca- 
tions for administering the government, he still 
retained his influenec in the community. It 
is well known, that some of our greatest and 
wisest and hest men have solicited his concur- 
rence in their measures, from the full persua- 
sion that the popular voice was so much in his 
favor. 

In the year 1774, Mr. Ilaneoek was chosen 
to deliver the public oration in Boston on the 
5th of March, to commemorate the massacre 
of 1770. It is a very handsome composition, 
and was very well delivered. During the 
course of this year his health declined. Svhen 
the general assembly of the province elected 
members of the lirst congress, he was so ilJ, 
as to be unable to attend public business. The 
ensuing winter was favorable to his health ; he 
recruited his spirits and activity. He was one 
of the provincial congress, and, for a time, 
their president. He was then elected a mem- 
ber of the general congress, that was to meet 
at Philadelphia in 1775. This year was the 
most remarkable of any ia the annals of the 
British nation. The revolutionary war com- 
menced, April 19. The battle of Lexington 
was succeeded by a proclamation from the go- 
vernor, declaring the country in a state of re- 
bellion, and proscribing Hancock and Adams, 
as ilie chief leaders, whose behaviour was too 
flagitious to be forgiven. This only served io 
give importance to their characters ; to iix 
them in the esteem and affection of their eoun- 
;try. There were men in these states who eo^ 



HANCOCiK. 1^5 

.\cted suck a mark of distinction ; many, who 
would have given all their wealth, und run any 
visk of consequences. 

In 1776, July 4th, his name appears as pre- 
sident of. the congress which declared the cc- 
Ionics independent of the crown of Great Bri- 
tain. The name of the president alone was? 
piihlished with the declaration, though every 
niemher signed it. It was a mark of respect 
due to Massachusetts, to have one of their 
memhers in the chair, which had heen filled 
with a member from South Carolina and Vir- 
ginia. Mr. Hancock had tliose talents which 
were calculated to make him appear to more 
advantage as chairman, than in the debates of 
a public body. He excelled as moderator of 
the Boston town meetings^ as president of the 
provincial congress, and state convention ; and, 
as Iread of the great council of our nation, he 
was much respected. He discovered a fine 
address, great impartiality, sufficient spirit to 
command attention, and preserve order. His 
voice and manner werc^ much in his favor, and 
his experience, in public business, gave hiin 
case and dignity. 

In 1779, Mr. Hancock resigned his place in 
aongress. He was chosen a member of the 
convention that formeil the constitution of 
Massachusetts. He was not one of the com- 
mittee to draw up the plan. Many were ear- 
nest to have him president ; but the in^yo- 
I'ity were for Mr. Bowdoin. He attended hia 
duty, however, very regularly, and sometimc« 
expressed his sentiments. He dissented from 
Ijiose, wlio would have given more power to 
ft 



tlie governor, and more energy io the consti^ 
tution. 

From 1780 to 1785, Mr. Hancock >vas annu- 
ally chosen governor of the comnioiiwealth of 
Massachusetts. lie declined being a candidate 
for the office the ensuing year, and >vas suc- 
ceeded by the honorable James Bowdoin, esq. 
During the administration of Mr. Bowdoin, 
there was an insurrection in the state, which 
Avas happily quelled. Every thing was done in 
the most judicious manner by the governor and 
the legislature, yet a part of the community 
appeared to be discontented with the adminis- 
tration, and, in the year 1787, Mr. Hancock 
was again placed in the chair. 

His conduct in the state convention during 
the discussion of it, gained him honor. The 
opposition to this excellent form of govern- 
ment was great. It was said that the majo- 
rity of the convention would be against the 
adoption ; and that the governor was witli the 
opposers. He was chosen president of the 
eoiBvention, but did not attend the debates 
till the latter weeks of the session. Certain 
amendments were proposed to remove the ob- 
jections of those, who thought some of the ar- 
ticles deprived the people of their rights. He 
introduced these amendments with great pro- 
priety, and voted for the adoption of the con- 
stitution. His name and influence doubtless 
tun cd many in favor of the federal govern- 
ment. 

The latter years of his administration were 
easy to him, on account of the public tranqui- 
lity. The federal government became the 




HANCOCK. 1^5 



source of so much prosperity, that the people 
were easy and happy. The two patriots, 
Hancock and Adams, were reconciled. When 
lieutenant governor Cushing died, general 
Lincoln was chosen, as his successor. This 
gave great offence to Mr. Adams, and it was 
very disagreeable to the goYcrnor. They join- 
ed llieir strength to support the same measures, 
as well as renewed their friendship. The 
next year, Lincoln was left out of office, and 
Mr. Adams chosen lieutenant governor. This 
gentleman succeeded Mr. JJancock, as gover- 
nor of the commonwealth, after his death. 

The death of such a man was interesting to 
the people at large. The procession at his 
ftineral was very great. Dr. Thaeher preach- 
ed his funeral sermon the next sabbath. He 
was very friendly to the clergy of all denomi- 
nations, and did a great deal to promote the 
cause of learning as well as religion. The li- 
brary of Harvard College will give an exhibi- 
tion of his muniiicence 5 for the name of Han- 
cock, in golden letters, now adorns one of the 
alcoves of the library room, and is upon the re- 
cords of the university among her greatest be- 
nefactors. He died October 8, 1793. 

Mr. Hancock was promoted to every office 
which a man fond of public life could expect oi» 
desire. His manners were pleasing. He was 
polite, affable, easy and condescending ; and, 
what was greatly in his favor, did not appear 
lifted up with pride. Such an elevation to 
prosperous circumstances would make some 
men giddy, and cause others to despise theii' 
neiglibor, poorer than themselves. 



■im HAHT. 

The editor will again refer to, and give anr 
extract from the oration of JRic/mrd JRusft> 
esq. delivered at the city of Washington, July 
^, 1812. He said, "During the siege of Bos- 
ton, General Washington consulted Congress 
upon the propriety of bombai*ding the town. — 
Mr. Hancock was then President of Congress. 
After General Washington's letter ^vas read, a 
solemn silence ensued. This was broken by a 
member making a motion that the house should 
i*esolve itself into a committee of the whole, 
in order that Mr. Hancock might give his opi- 
nion upon the important subject, as he was so 
deeply interested from having all his estate in 
Boston. After he left the chair, he addressed 
the chairman of the committee of the whole in 
the following words : " It is true, sir> nearjy 
all the property I have in tlie world, is in 
houses and other real estate in the town of 
Boston ; but if the expulsion of the British 
army from it, and the liberties of our country 
I'cquire their being burnt to ashes, issue the 
orders for that jmrpose immediately.^^ 

HAiiT, (the reverend) Oliver, was born 
in Warminster township, Bucks county, Penn- 
sylvania, 5th July, 172;^. At an early period 
of his life he was deeply impressed with the 
importance of religion ; and, at the age of 
eighteen years he was received as a member 
of the Baptist church at Southampton. In 
1746 he began to preach the gospel, and was 
onlained to the great work of the ministry. 
The same year he went to Charleston, South 
Carolina, where he continued as pastor of tlu; 
JJaptist church for upwards of thirty years. 



i 



HART. 19^^ 

Soon after the connmencement of the revolu- 
tion, during those times which tried men's 
souls, Mr. Hart's patriotism was so well 
known, that the council of safety of South 
Carolina, as a testimony of their confidence in 
his zeal and integrity, appointed Mr. Hart, 
with the honorable William Henry Drayton, 
and the reverend William Tennent, to visit 
he froiitiers of that state, in order to recon- 
"cilc, if possibh', a number of the inhabitants 
■who were disaffected tOAvards a revolutionary 
form of j^ovcrnment : a business, which, though 
attended witJi great bodily fatigue and perso- 
nal danger, he executed with great propriety 
and fidelity. 

In the month of February, 1780, owing to 
his warm attachment to the Ameiican cause, 
it was thought advisoable, that he should leave 
Charleston, as the British troops were prepar- 
ing to lay siege to it. Hearing of its surreuH 
der, which happened on the 12th May follow^ 
ing, he Journeyed towards his native soil, and 
in the month of December of the same year, 
in consequence of the warmest solicitations, 
he undertook the pastoral charge of the church 
of Hopewell, New- Jersey, and there he conti- 
nued till 31st December, 1795, when he died, 
aged 72 years, 5 months and 26 days. 

Mr. Hart was the author of several sermons 
and other compositions on religious subjects, 
whicli have appeared in print, and do donor to 
his pen and his heart. A variety of his papers 
on different subjects, which he highly valued, 
and many of his best books, were, likewise, 
destroyed by the British army, when they 

R2 



19* IfAWLEY. 

overran the sautheni states. He bad aha a 
eonsiderable turn for poetry, though such >vas 
his modesty^ that but few of his intimate 
friends knew he possessed this talent. 

HAWLKY, Joseph, distinguislied as a states-- 
man and patriot, was horn in Northampton, 
Massachusetts, and was graduated at Yale 
college in 1742. Soon after finisliing his col- 
legia! education he engaged in the study and 
the practice df the law in his native town. In 
this science he became a great proficient and 
was one of the most distinguished counsellors 
in the province. Among his ether studies he 
attained to such an eminence of knowledge in 
political history and the principles of free go- 
vernment, that during the disputes between 
Great Britain and the colonies he was regard- 
ed as one of the ablest advocates of American 
liberty. His integrity both in public and in 
private life was inflexible, and was not even 
questioned by his political opponents. He was 
repeatedly elected a member of the council, 
but refused in every instance to accept the of- 
fice, as he preferred a seat in the house of 
representatives, where his character for disin- 
terested patriotism and his bold and manly 
eloquence gave him an ascendency, which has 
seldom been equalled. He was first elected 
» member of the legislature in 1764. In the- 
latter part of 1776 major Hawley was afflicted 
with hypochondriacal disorders, to which he 
had been frequently subject in former periods 
of his life ; and after this declined public bu- 
?siness. He died March 10, 17 &8, aged sixty 
foar veal's* 



HENRY. ±90 

HENRY, Patrick, governor of Virginia, 
v.and a most eloquent orator, took an early am] 
decided part in support ot' tlie rights of liis 
country, against the tyranny of Great Britain. 
In the year 1765 he was a member of the as- 
sembly of Yipi^'inia, and he introduced some 
resolutions, which breathed a spirit of liberty> 
and which were accepted by a small majority 
on the twenty ninth of May. These were the 
first resolutions of any assembly occasioned by 
the stamp act. One of the resolutions declar- 
ed, that the general assembly had the exclu- 
sive right and power, to lay taxes and impo- 
sitions upon the inhabitants of the colony. — 
Such was the^ warmth, excited in the debate, 
that Mr. Henry, according to the relation of 
Mr. Stedman, after declaiming against the ar- 
bitrary measures of Great Britain, added, 
*• Csesar had his Brutus, Charles the first an 

Oliver Cromwell, and George the tliij'd ," 

when he was stopped from proceeding farther, 
and called to order. He was elected in 1774 
one of the deputies from Virginia to the first 
congress, and was in this year one of the com- 
mittee, which drew up the petition to the king. 
In May 1775, after lord Dunmore had convey- 
ed on board a ship a part of the powder from 
the magazine of Williamsburg, Mr. Henry dis- 
tinguished himself by assembling the indepen*' 
dent companies of Hanover and king William 
counties, and directing them towards Williams- 
burg with the avowed design of obtaining pay- 
ment for the powder, or of compelling to its 
restitution. The object was effected, for the 
king's receiver geaeral gave a bill for the ya* 



^ 



^06 HENRY. 

lue of the property. The governor immediately^ 
fortified his palace, and issued a proclamation, 
charging those, \vho had procured the bill, with 
rebellious practices. This only occasioned a 
number of county meetings, which applauded 
the conduct of Mr. Henry, and expressed a de^ 
termhiation to protect hira. In August 1775, 
when a new choice of deputies to congress was 
made, he was not re-elected, for his services 
were now demanded more exclusively in his 
own state. After the departure of lord Dun- 
more he Avas chosen the first governor in June, 
1776, and he held this office several succeed- 
ing years, bending all his exertions to promote 
the freedom and independence of his country. 
In the beginning of 1778 an anonymous letter 
was addressed to him with the design of alie- 
nating his affections from the commander in 
chief. He enclosed it to Washington both to 
evince his friendship and to put him on his 
guard. In another letter, written a few days 
afterwards, when he had heard of a plan to 
effect tJie removal of Washington, he says to 
him, " while you face the armed enemies of 
our liberty in the field, and, by the favor of 
God, have been kept unhurt, I trust your 
country will never harbor in her bosom the 
miscreant, who would ruin her best suppor- 
ter ; but when artp , unworthy honest men are 
used to defame and traduce you, I think it not 
amiss, but a duty to assure you of that esti- 
mation, in which the public hold you." 

In June 1778 he was a member, with other 
illustrious citizens of Virginia, of the conven- 
tion, which was appointed to consider the coa- 




I 



HENRY. jm 

s-titiition of the United Stales; aiul he exerted 
all the foree of his masterly eloquence, day 
/after day, to prevent its adoption. He con- 
tended that changes were dangerous to liher- 
ty ; that the old confederation had carried us 
through the war, and secured our indepen- 
dence, and needed only amendment ; that the 
proposed government was a consolidated go- 
vernment, in which the sovereignty of the 
states would be lost, and all pretensions to 
rights and privileges would he rendered inse* 
cure : that the want of a bill of rights was an 
essential defect ; that general warrants should 
have been prohibited; and that to adopt the 
constitution with a view to subsequent amend- 
ments was only submitting to tyranny in the 
hope of being liberaied from it at some future 
time. He therefore offered a resolution, con- 
taining a bill of rights and amendments for 
the greater security of liberty and property to 
be referred to the other states before the ra- 
tification of the proposed form of government. 
His resolution however was not accepted. The 
argument of Pendleton, Randolph, Madison, 
and Marshall prevailed against the eloquence 
of Henry, and the constitution was adopted, 
though liy a small majority. Mr. Henry's 
bill of rights and his amendments were then 
accepted, and directed to be transmitted to 
the several states. Some of these amendments 
have been ingrafted into the federal constitu- 
tion, on which account as well as on account 
of the lessons of experience, Mr. Henry in a 
few years lost in a degree his repugnance to 
it. After the resignation of Mr. Randolph in 



%0^ HENR¥. 

August 1795 he was nominated by presideirt. 
"Washington as secretary of state, but consr- 
derations of a private nature induced him to 
decline the honorable trust. In November 
1796 he was again elected governor of Yir- 
ginia, and this office also he almost immedi- 
ately resigned. In the bcginmiig of the year 
1799 he was appointed bj^ president Adams as 
an envoy to France with Messrs. Ellsworth 
and Murray. His letter in reply to the secreta- 
ry of state is dated in Charlotte county April 
the sixteenth, and in it he speaks of a severe 
indisposition, to which he was then subject, 
and of his advanced age and increasing debility. 
Governor Davie of North Carolina, was in 
consequence appointed in his place. He lived 
but a short time after ihh testimony ©f the 
respect, in which his talents and patriotism 
were held, for lie died at Red Hill in Char- 
lotte county, June 6, 1799. 

Mr. Henry was a man of eminent talents, of 
ardent attachment to liherty, and of most com- 
manding eloquence. The Virginians boast of 
him as an orator of nature. His general ap- 
pearance and manners were those of a plain 
farmer. In this character he always entered 
on the exordium of an oration. His unassum- 
ing looks and expressions of humility induced 
his hearers to listen to him with the same easy 
openness, with which they would converse with 
an honest neighbor After he had thus disarm- 
ed prejudice and pride, and opened a way to the 
heart, the inspiration of his eloquence, when 
little expected, would invest him with the au- 
thority of a prophets With a mind of gre^t 




IIEOTIY. m^ 



]^Wcrs and a heart of keen sensibility, he would 
sometimes rise in the majesty of his genius, and 
•while he filled the audience with admiration, 
would, with almost irresistible influence, bear 
alo»5g the passions of others with him. 

In private life he was as amiable and virtuous 
as he was conspicuous in his public career.- — 
His principles of liberty and regard to Chris- 
tianity led him to deplore the practice of sla- 
very. On this subject, in a letter written in 
1773, he enquires, ** is it not amazing, that at 
a time, when the rights of humanity are defined 
and understood with precision, in a country 
above all others fond of liberty; that in such 
an age and such a country we find men, pro^ 
fessing a religion, the most humane, mild, gen- 
tle, and generous, adopting a principle, as re- 
pugnant to humanity, as it is inconsistent Avith 
the bible, and destructive to liberty? Would 
any one believe, that I am master of slaves of 
my own purchase ? I am drawn along by the 
general inconvenience of being here without 
them. I will not — I cannot justify it. I be- 
lieve a time will come, when an opportunity 
will be oiiered to abolish this lamentable evil. 
Every thing we can do is to improve it, if it hap- 
pens in our day ; if not, let us transmit to our 
descendants, together with our slaves, a pity 
for their unhappy lot, and an abhorrence of sla- 
very.'' 

The following affectionate tribute to the me- 
mory of Henry, which appeared in the Virginia 
papers immediately after his death, though not 
a specimen of perfect taste, will yet further 
iDustrate his character by showing the esti- 



mi HOPKINSGX. 

mation^ ia Avhich he was held by those, \sha 
knew him. " Mourn, Virginia^ mourn ; your 
Henry is gone. Ye friends to liberty in every 
elime, drop a tear. No more will his soeial 
feelings spread delight through his happy 
house. No more will his edifying example 
dietate to his numerous offspring the sweet- 
ness of virtue, and the majesty of patriotism. 
No more will his sage ad vice, guided by zeal 
for the common happiness, impart light and 
utility to his caressing neighbors. No more 
will he illuminate the public councils with 
sentiments drawn from the cabinet of his own 
mind, ever directed to his country's good, and 
clothed in eloquence sublime, delightful, and 
commanding. Farewell, first rate patriot, 
farewell. As long as our rivers flow, or 
mountains stand, so long will your excellence 
and worth be the theme of our homage and 
endearment; and Virginia, bearing in mind 
her loss, will say to rising generations, imi- 
tate my Henry.*' 

HOPKINSON, Fkancis, Avas born in Penn- 
sylvania, in the year 1738. He possessed aa 
uncommon share of genius of a peculiar kind. 
He was well skilled in many practical and use- 
ful sciences, particularly in mathematics and 
natural philosophy ; and he had a general ac- 
quaintance with the principles of anatomy, 
chemistry and natural history. But his forte 
was humour and satire, in both of which, he 
was not surpassed by Lucian, Swift or Rabel- 
lais. These extraordinary powers were con- 
secrated to the advancement of the interests of 
patriotism, virtue and science. It mouKI fill 



JiUtiij;^ pages id mention his numerous publica- 
iioris during the late revolution, all of which 
are directed to these important objects. If« 
hej^aa in the year 1775, with a small tract, 
wl'iich he entitled «A Pretty History," in 
which he exposed the tyranny of Great Bri- 
tain, in America, by a most beautiful allegory, 
and he concluded his contributions to his coun- 
try, in this way, with the history of " Th« 
'3Cew Roof," a performance, wliich far wit, hu- 
mor and i^ood sense, must last as long as the 
cilizcris of America continue to aduiirc, an<l 
to be happy under the present national goveri> 
incut of the United States. 
, Newspaper scandal frequently, fir montLs 
toj^ethcr, disappeared or languished, after ths 
publication of several of his irresistible satires 
upon that disgraceful species of writing, lie 
gave a currency to a thought or a phrase, in 
these elTusioiiS from his pen, which never fail- 
ed to tear down the spirit of the times, and frt- 
qacnliy to turn the divided tides of party rage, 
into one gcncrul channel of ridicule and con- 

tCUipt. 

Sometimes he employed his formidable pow • 
crs of humor and satire in exposing the foJ - 
inali'iies of technical science. He entertained 
some ideas with respect to the mode of con- 
ducting education, which were singular. Ij^, 
j|iarticular, he often ridiculed in conversation^ 
Uie practice of teaching children the English 
language by means of grammar. He consi- 
ilered most of the years, which arc spent in 
learning the Greek and Latin languages us 
lost, and he hcdd several of the arts and seicn- 
s 



Z06 HOPlvIiXSON, 

<?es, Avhieh are taught in colleges, in great 
contempt. His specimen of modern learning 
in a tedious examination, the only object of 
which was to describe the properties of a 
^< Salt Box," published in the American Mu- 
iseum for February 1786, may be relished as a 
morsel of exquisite humor. 

Mr. IIoi>kinson possessed uncommon talents 
for pleasing in company. His wit was not of 
that coarse kind, which was calculated to set 
the table in a roar. It was mild and elegant^ 
and infused cheerfulness and a species of deli- 
cate joy, rather than mirth, into the hearts of 
all, who heard it. His empire over the atten- 
tion and passions of his company was not pur- 
chased at the expense of innocence. A person 
who has passed many delightful hours in his 
company, declared, with pleasure, that he ne- 
ver once heard him use a profane expression, 
nor utter a word, which would have made a 
lady blush, or have clouded her countenance 
for a moment with a look of disapprobation. — 
It is this species of wit alone, that indicates 
a rich and powerful imagination, while that 
which is tinctured with profanKy, or indelica- 
cy, argues poverty of genius, inasmuch as they 
have both been very properly considered as 
the cheapest products of the mind. 

Mr. Hopkinson's character for abilities and 
patriotism procured him the confidence of his 
countrymen in the most trying exigencies of 
their aifairs. He represented the state of 
New Jersey, in the year 1776, and suUscribe^ 
the ever memorable declaration of American 
Independence. He held an appointment^fn the 



HowELi, mx 

iWn oiRce for several years, and afterwards 
succeeded George Ross, esquire, as judge of 
Uie admiralty for the state of rennsylvauia — 
In this station he continued til! tlie year 1790, 
v.hen J'.c Avas appointed judg;e i;i tlic district 
court in Pennsylvania, hy tiie illustrious Wash- 
ington, then President of the United States, 
and in each of these judicial offices he eon- 
ducted himself with the greatest ability and 
integrity. 

Itc was an active and useful member of 
three great parties, which at different times 
divided his native state. lie was a whig, a 
republican and a federalist, and lie liied to 
she the principles and the wish of each of these 
parties finally and universally successful. Al- 
though his labors had been rewarded with ma- 
ny harvests of well earned fame, yet his death 
io his country and Ids friends, was premature. 
He had been subject to frequent attacks of the 
gout in his head, but for some time before his 
ileatli, he had enjoyed a considerable respite 
from them. On the evening of May 8th, 1791, 
lie was somewhat indisposed, and passed a 
restless wh^hU lie rc^^ next morning at his 
usual hour and breakfasted y ith his family, but 
at 7 o'clock, he was seized with an apoplectic 
fit, of which he died about two hours after. 

IIOAVEIiL, RicuAKD, governor of New Jer- 
sey, was a native of BelaAvare, and liaving 
been admitted to the bar a short time before 
the late struggle between Great Britain and 
America commenced, he devoted his talents 
to the service of his country. His abilities as 
a soldier procured him the appointment of the 



^n irCNTllVGDON. 

S' cond Jifej'sry regiment in 1776, vliicli station 
li^ occupied till the spring cf 1779, ^vllen in 
consequence of a new arrangement of tlic ar- 
my he resumed the profession oft'ie law. Ih 
1788 be was appointed clerk of tlie supreme 
court, Viliieli cilice lie Leld till June 1793, 
when lie was chosen governor of the state. 
"^ro tliis place Le was eight \ears snccessively 
elected, lie died April 28, 1802, aged forty 
Woven years. lUt possessed a cultivated mind. 
iiml was benevolent in his life. 

HUNTINGDON, Samuel, gcvcrnor cf 
Connecticut, was born in Wndijam and des- 
cended from an ancient family. In his youth 
]:c gave indications of an excellent understand- 
ing. V> ithont liic advantages cf a collegial 
education he acquired a competent knowledge 
of the law, and was early adndUcd to the bar; 
soon after which he settled in Norwich, and in 
II few years becaiiic eniinent in his profession. 
In 176i he Mas a representative Id the general 
sissemWy, and the following year was appointed 
king's attorney, M>tieh ofHce he filled with rc- 
^mtation, until iiiore important services induc-^ 
cd him to relinquish U. iji 1774 he was made 
tvn assistant judge of the superior court, la 
1775 he was elected iiito the council, and in 
tlie same year chosen a delegate to congress, 
la 1779 lie was president of that honorable 
kody, and was rcchosen tlic following year. 
After this year he resuiiied his seat in the 
eouncil cf Connecticut and on the bench. In 

1783 he was again a member cf congress. In 

1784 he was chosen lieutenant governor and 
appointed chief justice. He was placed in the 



IIUTClllNS, 5209 

chair of the chief magistrate in 1786, and >vas 
annually reelected till his death. He died at 
Norwich January 8, 1796, in the sixty fourth! 
year of liis age. 

IIUTClllNS, Thomas, was born in Mon- 
mouth county, New Jersey. His parents dy- 
ing while he was young, an imconqucrahle dif* 
fidence and modesty would not permit him to 
apply for protection or employment to his re- 
lations, who Mere >ery respectable at New 
York, and would have been ready to assist him. 
He rather chose to seek some business ; and 
accordingly before he was sixteen, went to the 
western country, wliere he was soon appoint- 
ed an ensign, and paymaster-general to tlie 
forces there. After some time he became de- 
puty-engineer, and soon distinguished himself 
iit fort Pitt, the plan of which he laid out, and 
which was executed under his command, by or- 
der of general Bouquet, an account of whose 
transactions and campaigns was drawn up and 
published by him in Philadelphia in 1765. 

He afterwards lived a number of years in 
Louisiana, during which time 4he accurate ob- 
servations and remarks made on the country 
in general, rivers, harbors, &c. and the man- 
ners of the people, a*e sufficiently shown in 
the description, which he published of that 
country, a few years ago, and is the best ex- 
tant. After a variety of battles with the In- 
dians, while he was with the army in West 
Florida he rose, solely by merit, to a captain's 
commission, which he enjoyed a number of 
years, until his love for America obliged him 
to give it i\]). 

s2-. 



M^ JTCiCniNS* 

B^ing in Lciidoii \viiea t!;c wni' bi'o«e out, 
Ic staid there till 1778, when he publlsbcd his 
liiap and pamphlet explaining it. His zeal for 
the cause of the United Stales ijjadc Liiii re-, 
fuse a very proiltable emplovnient then offered 
to hiin, at the sar.ic time reqiiefcting leave to 
Sell his eommlssion, Avhieh v. as not i^ranted.— 
His ahidiniT steadily in Lis rcsoliition net to 
take up arms against his native eoiintiy, vas, 
probalily, the cause of the number of iikisfor- 
tuncs lie met "wilh, and the ill treatment lie 
Teceivcd from au obstinate and blindfold adiiii- 
nistration. 

For holding a supposed correspondence ^vith 
Dr. Franklin, then our ambassador at the court 
of France, be >vas thrown into a dungeon, bis 
papers seized, and be lost 12,000f. in one day. 
After lying six weeks in this horrid place, du- 
ring which time not one spai-k of light was ad- 
Biitted iiito his cell> and having undergone a 
long cxa:nina(ion before the lords Aanherst and 
Sandwich, and tlie rest of the execrable junto 
>vhieh ruled at that time with unlimKed sway, 
lie was lijerated ; and having resigned his com- 
missi*. n, lij passed over into France, where he 
»taid some time to recruit the dehilitaled state 
©f liiy body. lie then sailed fiom L'Oiient to 
Charleston, wkere he joined tiic southern army 
under general Greene: but not long after this, 
the war closing, he was appointed geograplicr- 
general to the United States, Mhich employ- 
ment he held till his dciith, which happened at 
Pittsburg, the 20th of April. 1788. 

He was esteenicd and belov. d by all who 
h'dX the liappiiicss of knowing hiui. lie was 



lilYlXE. t^li 

tcsnarkable for his piety and cliarity, a coni- 
placeiicy oT temper, patience aod resignation 
itftder sielincss, and ai^ universal Lcnevoleiiee, 
wiiicli so cmiaeatly distiiigulslied him, that all 
join in deelarirjg Lim to have been ** an Israe- 
lite indeed, iii whons there was no penile." 

ir^^ INE, V/iLLiAM, a brave ofllcer in the 
Amerlean war, was u native of Ireland, and 
was educated for the medical profession, wliicli 
he reliiui'iishcd at the commencement of the 
revolution. He had an early command ia the 
army, and in the expedition to Canada in 1775 
was conspicuous for his talents and bravery. 
In the operations in the middle states durin;^ 
the rera.iinder of the war he was consulted by 
the commander in chief, end was particularly 
<Kjnoxioii'3 to t4ie enemy. 

Jfl^rshall, speaking of the battle of Trenton^ 
says, ** General V^ashington formed the daring 
plan of attacking, at the same instafit, all the 
British posts on the Delaware. If successful 
in all, or any of these attacks, he hoped to wipe 
oif the ill impressions made by his losses, and 
by his retreat, and to compel the enemy to 
compress hiaiself in such a manner as no Ion- 
iser to cover the Jerseys, while be should at 
tiie same time, relieve Philadelphia from the 
immediate and imminent danger wit'i which it 
was now threatened. 

** The position he had taken, to oppose the 
))assage of the river by tliot enemy, was pre- 
cifielv calculated to favor his present scheme 
af off'nsive operations. 

** Most of his rej^ufars were posted above 
Treaton, from Yardh's up to Coryell's ferry*^ 



^12 IfiVINli:. 

General Irvine Avith the PcnnsTlviinia lining 
camp, and Jersey militia, extended from Yard- 
lj*s to the ferry oj)posite lioi'dentown ; and g-e- 
iieral Cadwalader Avitli the IVnnsylvania mili- 
tia, lay still lo»er down the river. 

<• The plan now formed w as to cross in the 
night at M'Konkey's ferry, about nine miles 
above Trenton, to march down in two divi- 
feions, the one taking the river road, and the 
other taking the Pennington road, both ^vhich 
led into the town } the one at the npper, or 
west end, and the other at its back, and to- 
wards the north. This part of the jdan was 
to be executed by the general in person, at 
the head of about two thousand four hundred 
continental troops. It Avas supposed very prac- 
ticable to pass them over the river by twelve 
o'clock, so that sufiicient (ime would be allow- 
ed to reach their point of destination by live in 
the morning of tlie next day, when tlie attack 
was to be made. General Irvine was directed 
to crosi at the Trouton ferry, and secure the 
bridge below the town, so as to prevent the 
escape of any part of the enemy by that road, 
ticncral Cadwalader w as to cress over at Bris- 
tol, and carry the post at Burlington. It had 
been in contemplation to unite the troops, em- 
ployed in fortifying Philadelphia, to those at 
Bristol, and to place the whole nnder general 
Putnam ; but there were such indications in 
that city of an insurrection to favor the royal 
cause, that it was deemed unsafe to withdraw 
them. The cold, on the niglit of the 25th was 
very severe ; a mingled snow, bail, an 1 rain, 
fell ill great quantities, and. so much ice was 



IRVINE. 213 

MiiKlc Li the river, that ^vith the utmost possi- 
cxeilions, the troops, >vith the artillery, 
not he got over until three o'clock, and 
it\r" ^ i^ea^' f^ur before the line of riiarch could 
he laken up. As the distance to I'renton both 
by the river, and Pennington roads, is nearly 
tlie same, it ^vas supposed that each division 
cf the army v/ould reach its object about the 
same time, and therefore orders were given to 
attack at tlic first moiuent of arrival, and af- 
tor driving in tlic out guards, to press rapidly 
after them into the town, so as to prevent the 
iivain body of tlic enemy from forming. 

<• General "NYashington himself accompanied 
t'le upper division, ?ivA arrived at the out post 
on tliat road, preeiscly at eight o'clock. lie 
immediately drove it in, and in three minutes 
lieard the fire from the division which had ta- 
ken the river road. The picket guard kept up 
a fire from behind houses as they retreated, 
but the Americans followed them with such 
ardor and rapidity, that they could make no 
stand. Colonel Riiwle, a very gallant officer 
who commanded in Trenton, paraded his men, 
' ill order to meet the assailants. In the very 
commencement of the action he was mortally 
wounded, and his troops, in apparent confusion, 
attempted to file off from the right, and gain 
the road to Princeton. Perceiving this, gene- 
ral Washington threw a detachment in their 
front, which intercepted them in the attempt, 
;ind advanced rapidly on them. Finding them- 
selves surrounded, and tlieir artillery already 
seized, they laid down their arms end surren- 
dered prisoners pf wa?. 



214^ IRVINE. 

<< Unfortunately the quantit.v of ice had leu 
tiered it ijupracticable for general Irvine to 
execute that part of the plan >vhich had been 
allotted to him. AVith his utmost efforts he 
could not cross the river ,* in consequence of 
this circumstance the lower road towards Bor- 
dentown remained open. A part of tlie ene- 
my, about five hundred men, stationed in the 
lower end of Trenton, availed themselves of 
this circumstance, and crossing the bridge in 
the commencement of the action, marched 
d »wn the river to Bordentown. The &ame 
cause prevented general Cadwalader from nt- 
tacking the post at Burlington. With infinite 
difficulty he got over a part of his infantry ; 
but finding it absolutely impracticable to cross 
with the artillery, his infantry returned. 

'* Though this plan failed in so many of iis 
parts in consequence of the extreme severity 
of the night, the success which attended that 
part of it, which was to be executed by gene- 
ral Washington in person, was complete: and 
was followed by the happiest effects. About 
twenty of the enemy Avcre killed, and liine 
hundred and nine, including officers, laid down 
their arms, and surrendered themselves piiso» 
ners. Others were afterwards found conceal- 
ed in houses, so as to increase the number to 
about one thousand. Six field pieces, and a 
thousand stand of small arms, were also taken. 
On the part of tlie Americans, two privates 
were killed 5 two frozen to deaths and one of- 
ficer, and three or four ]uivates, wounded. 

"Had it been practicable for the divisions 
under generals Irvine and Cadwalader to have 



JONES. ^i^ 

crossed tiic liver, it Avas intended to Lave pro- 
ceeded from Trenton to the posts below, at and 
about BoidentoAvn ; to have entirely swept the 
enemy from the banks of the Delaware, am! 
to have maintained a position in the Jersey?.. 
But finding those parts of the plan to have en- 
tirely failed, and supposing the enemy to rc- 
maia ill force below, while a strong corps was 
posted at Princeton, it was thought t unadvisa- 
blc to hazard tJic loss of the very important 
advantage already gained, by attempting to in- 
crease it; and general Washington reerosscd 
the river with his prisoners and the military 
stores he had taken. Lieutenant colonel Bay- 
lor, his aid-de-caiiip who carried the intelli- 
gence of this success to congress, was pre- 
sented with a horse completely caparisoned 
for service, an^s recommended to be appointed 
to the command of a regiment of cavalry."*' 

After the war major general Irvine was a 
member of congress from Pennsylvania. Jle 
died at Philadelphia July 30, 180i, aged sixty 
tliree years, lie held for some time before 
liis death the ofSee of military intendant. He 
was also president of the Cincinnati of Penn- 
sylvania. Frank and sincere, he paid respect 
to none but to those, whom he deemed wor- 
thy, and tliose for whom he had no regard, he 
shunned in silence. 

JONES, Paul, one of the most enterpiis- 
hv^ and resolute mariners America had during 
the contest with Great Britain, was born in 
the month of June 17i8, in Scotland. lie 
came to America in the year 177 i and solici- 
ted from several oi* the leading whigs to be 



cnip^^}^*^ ^^ ^^^^ service of Congress. He aLo 
luailo several iinpoitaat comniunicatioiiS lu 
members of congress respctting Kngland> and 
in return received several sums of iiicn<"y. It 
Ayas then agreed tiiat Jones should go to Eu- 
rope for particular inlbrmation, and he set sail 
and arrived in England as captain Jones of 
Kcyy York. The English government not be- 
ing aware of the character that had arrived, 
lic was at liberty to go about the capital, and 
dwelt for a short time in Wapping, daily buy- 
ing maps, charts, sounding, and other artick:^ 
relating to the home navigation. At his re- 
turn he was strictly examhied by several sci- 
entific persons, respecting the coasts and iiar- 
bcrs of England, Ireland, and Scotland ; the 
result of which was, a very Haltering distinc- 
tion paid to him by the leaders of the Ameri- 
can oppositiiiu, and he was soon afier appcinl- 
ed to t!ic command of one of the privateers lit • 
ted out against England. Ills success greatly 
contributed to raise hsm in the opinion of the 
great men in Ametica ; who in a siiort time 
TV ere so tborouglily satisfied with his spirited 
conduct, that they imposed no sort of command 
on him, but left him to act consistent with his 
own ideas, on ail occasions. He proved a far 
gircater annoyance to ilritish traders in those 
parts than any other commander In the service 
of America. 

Paul Avas now employed to tit out the small 
squadron which Congress had jjlaced under 
commodore Hopkins, who had the comukand 
of all the armed vessels then belonging t«» 
America 5 and it is a well known facr, tliiCl 



JONES. 317 

Jones hoisted with his own hands the first A 
merican flag ever displayed, on board the Al- 
fred. 

He was now appointed to the command of 
the ship ProYidence, and was ordered to escort 
some troops that were proceeding from Rhode 
island to New York, and wlio were destined to 
Join general Washington's camp. He also re- 
ceived instructions to escort a convoy of artil- 
lery and ammunition from Rhode Island to 
New York, for tiie defence of which it was 
destined. During the passages, he had two 
different engagements with the Cerberus fri- 
gate 5 tlie first for the protection of the vessels 
under his command, and the second for the 
preservation of a vessel from St. Domingo, la- 
den with naval stores for Congress. In the 
course of this service, he had many actions 
with ships of war under the command of lord 
Howe ; but on tliese, as on former occasions, 
he was enabled to preserve his convoy ; and at 
length arrived safe in the Delaware, x\ugi:st 
1, 1776. On the eighth of August, the Presi- 
dent of Congress presented Paul Jones in per- 
son with the commission of captain in the ma- 
rine of tlie United States. This was the fu st 
granted by Congress after the declaration of 
independence. The orders of Congress had 
been given, for the construction of thirteen fri- 
gates ; but as none of them were yet ready, 
he proceeded to sea alone, on board the Provi- 
dence, a vessel of small force, as she cai-ried 
no more than seventy men, and twelve small 
cannon. AVIien in the neighborhood of Bermu- 
das, they fell in \yhh the Solcbay, and her con- 

T 



^218 JONES. 

voy, from Charleston. She ^vas a thiriy gmi 
frigate, and formed part of the squadron under 
Admiral Parker. Captain Jones was of course 
desirous of avoiding an engagement with such 
superior force ^ but his officers and men insist- 
ed that it was the Jamaica fleet, and as it was 
necessary to command by means of persuasion 
at this epoch of the war, the result was a se- 
rious engagement during six hours, which, to- 
wars the dose, was carried on within pistol 
shot. A desperate manoeuvre was the sole re- 
source left him ; he attempted, succeeded, and 
was fortunate enough to disengage himself. A 
short time after this, he took several prizes, 
and sailed towards the coast of Nova Scotia, to 
destroy the whale and cod fisheries in that 
neighborhood. Near Sable Island, they fell in 
with the Milford frigate, carrying thirty-two 
guns, with which it was impossible to avoid an 
©ngagement. A cannonade took place from ten 
o'clock in the morning until sun-set ; but the 
engagement was neither so close nor so hot as 
that with the Solebay, and Paul escaped, by 
passing through the flats, and entered a little 
harbour next day, where he destroyed the fish- 
jery and vessels. After this, he set sail for lie 
Madame, where he made two descents ; at the 
same time destroying the fisheries, and burn- 
ing all the vessels he could not carry with him. 
Having accomplished this service, he returned 
to Rhode Island, after an absence of seven 
weeks from the Delaware ; during which inter- 
val he had taken sixteen prizes, without includ- 
ing those destroyed. The Americans had de- 
t'ermioed on destroying the enemy's fisheries iit 



JONES. ^19 

He Royal, and restoring to liberty more than 
three hundred American prisoners detained 
there in the coal mines. Three vessels were 
destined for tliis service, the Alfred, Hampden, 
and tlie Providence; hut tlie Hampden, com- 
inanded by Arnold, having received considera- 
ble damage in consequence of running on a rocky 
eould not accompany him. He, however, em- 
barked on board the Alfred, and taking the 
Providence by way of consort, he set sail, on 
the second of November, 1776. The first he 
made prize of was a vessel from Liverpool, and 
soon after the Mellish, a large armed vessel, 
having two British naval officers on board, anfl 
a captain belonging to the land service, with a 
company of soldiers. The ship was carrying 
ten tliousand complete suits of uniform to Ca- 
nada, for il\G army posted there under the or- 
<lers of generals Carleton and Burgoyne. Noth- 
ing could be more seasonable or welcome to the 
American service than this capture ; and they 
■\Tere so sensible of it, that Congress ordered 
their secretary to transmit the public thanks of 
the country to him, his officers, and men. The 
Providence having left the Alfred during the 
night, without the least pretext whatever, he 
remained alone, and that too during the stormy- 
season on the enemy's coast ; but notwithstand- 
ing this, and that he was also greatly embar- 
rassed with numerous prisoners, he resolved 
not to renounce his project. He according ef- 
fected a descent, destroyed a transport of great 
value, and also burned the magazines and build- 
ings destined for the whale and cod fishery. In 
addition to this, he took three transports, and 



S20 JONES. 

a vessel laden with ling and furs, near lie IRoy 
ale ; these prizes were escorted by the Flora 
frigate, which liappersed to be at a small dis- 
tance, but was concealed from him by a fog. — 
Having taken a large privateer from Liverpool, 
mounting sixteen guns, in the course of next 
day, he instantly returned Avith his prizes to- 
wards the United States ; but, when in the la- 
titude of Boston, fell in with the Milford fri- 
gate, which he unwillingly engaged. Towards 
night, however, he placed the Alfred between 
the enemy and his prizes, and having given the 
necessary instructions to the latter to make for 
ihe nearest port, he changed his course, set up 
his lights, and by this stratagem saved the ves> 
sels he had captured, as the frigate continued 
in chace of him. Next day be was fortunate 
enough to escape, after a serious action, which 
was not terminated until dark, and even then- 
in consequence of a hard gale of wind. Having 
returned to Boston, December 1, 1776, the in- 
telligence of the uniforms he had taken, reani- 
mated the courage of the irniy under general 
Washington, which at that period happened to 
be almost destitute of clothing. Besides, this 
unexpected succour contributed not a little to 
the success of the aifair at Trenton aginst the 
Hessians, which took place immediately after 
his arrival. He now paid out of his own purse 
the wages due to the crev/s of the Alfred and 
the Providence, and lent the rest of his money 
to Coiigress. 

Jones was now ordered to take command of 
the Ranger, a vessel mounting eighteen guns. 
In 1777 he sailed for France, where he arrived 



JONES. 221 

February 1778. He then sailed for the place 
of his birth, and then his father's residence, the 
coast of Scotland. It was his intention to take 
the Earl of Selkirk prisoner, and detain his 
lordship as a hostage. With this view, he 
landed with two officers and a fcAV picked men. 
In the course of their progress they fell in with 
several of his lordship's tenants, who, not sus- 
pecting they were enemies, informed them that 
lord Selkiik was in London, but that her lady- 
ship and several female friends were then at the 
Castle. Paul immediately proposed returning, 
but such mild conduct was not conformable to 
the wishes of his shipmates, who were inclined 
to burn, pillage, and destroy, every thing be- 
fore them. Thus circumstanced, he perceived 
it necessary to conciliate his people, and it ap- 
peared to him to be the best mode, to give or- 
ders to the two officers to repair to the Castle, 
station the men under arms without, and enter 
by themselves. They were instructed to de- 
mand the family plate, in the politest manner, 
i accept what was given, without asking ques-= 
tions, and then to return. In this order he was 
punctually obeyed ; the plate was delivered, and 
lady Selkirk observed to the officers, that she 
was extremely sensible of their moderation. 

Next day, April 23, 1778, he prepared to sail 
for Carrickfergus, to attack the Drake, a Bri- 
tish twenty gun ship; but the lieutanants were 
averse to this enterprise, and, by their exam- 
ple, most of tlic crew became mutinous, and it 
was their intention to have stood out to sea, and 
left him ashore at Whitehaven. In the mean 
while, tlic captain of the Drake receiving iu-^ 

T '^ 



222 JONES. 

rornialion of their descent at AVIiitchaveii, pre^ 
pared to attack Jones. While every thing was 
getting ready, he sent a lieutenant and hoats 
crew to reconnoitre the Ranger ; Jones imme- 
diately masked all his guns, kept his men out 
of sight, and disguised the vessel in such a way 
as to resemhle a merchantman ; in consequence 
of which, the boat's crew were deceived and 
taken prisoners ; and the Ranger s people were 
so elated at tliis success, that they unanimously 
agreed to give her battle. 

The Drake, having fired a gun to recal her 
boat, weighed anchor and came out. The Ran- 
ger lay too till she came within pistol shoty 
when the action commenced, with much gal- 
lantry, on both sides. After a hard fought 
battle of sixty eight minutes, during which the 
captain and the first lieutenant of the Drake, 
nobly fell, the English flag was lowered, and 
Jones took possession of his prize. The Drake 
was greatly damaged in her masts, hull, and 
rigging, and lost about forty-two men in killed 
and wou!ided. He arrived with tlie Ranger aixl 
Drake at Brest on the 7th of ^f ay, after an ab- 
sence of twenty eight days, during which he 
liad taken upwards of two hundred prisoners. 
This expedition was of great detriment to Great 
Britain. 

At the time Jones had been obliged to per- 
mit his people to take lady Selkirk's plate, he 
determined to redeem it out of his own funds, 
the moment it should be sold, and restore it to 
the family. Accordingly, on his arrival at 
Brest, he insvtantly despatched a pathetic let- 
ter to her ladyship, in wliich he detailed the 



JOKES. 223 

Biotives of his expedition, and tlie cruel neces- 
sity he was under, in consequence of the con- 
duct of the English in America, to inflict the 
punishment of retaliation. This was sent open 
to the government of England and its minis- 
ters ; and the court of St. James w as at length 
obliged to exchange those very Americans, 
whom they called traitors, piraies, and felons, 
against the prisoners of war, whom Paul had 
taken and carried to France. 

During the course of the war, he found it 
impossible to restore the plate belonging to 
the Selkirk family : he, however, purchased it 
at a great price, and at length found means io 
send it by land from POrient to Calais, by 
means of M. de Callonne, who transmitted him 
u very flattering letter on the occasion : in 
short, he at length received a very flattering 
letter from the earl of Selkirk, acknowledg- 
ing the receipt of tbe plate. 

Jones now took the command of a forty gun 
ship, called tlie Good Man Richard, and had 
attaclied to him Le Pallas, of tbirty two eight 
pounders, and a brig named Le Yengeance, of 
twelve three pounders ; to these was added Le 
Cerf, a cutter carrying eightee^i nine pounders, 
with the Alliance, a new frigate belonging to 
the United States, 

This little squadron, at length set sail from 
the road of Groays, on the l^th of August, 
1F79; but they had no sooner proceeded to the 
north of tlie channel, when three of his vessels 
were separated fiiom him during the night. On 
the morning of the 23d of September, while he 
was cruising in the the latitude of Flambo- 



22^ JONES, 

rough Head, where he hoped to he rejoined by 
the Alliance and Le Cerf, and also to fall in 
with the Baltic fleet, this convoy accordingly 
appeared, at a time when he had been abandon- 
ed by several of his consorts ; had lost two 
boats with their crews, who had run away on 
the coast of Ireland, and when a third, with 
eighteen men on board, w as in chase of a mer- 
chantman, to the windward, leaving him with 
only a scanty crew and a single lieutenant, 
with some inferior officers on board. It was 
about two o'clock in the afternoou that the 
Baltic fleet appeared in view ; he then hap- 
pened to have the wind of it, and was about two 
leagues distant from the const of England. — 
He learned from his prisoners, that the con- 
voy was escorted fey the Serapis, a new vessel, 
then carrying 44 guns, the lower battery car- 
rying eighteen pounders ; and the Countess of 
Scarborough, a new twenty-two gun ship. On 
Eriday, six sail was discovered about two 
leagues from shore, in a most shattered condi- 
tion. They were no sooner descried, than the 
armed vessels stood out to sea, while the trade 
ships took refuge under the cannon of Scarbo- 
rough-castle. As there was but little wind, he 
could not come up with the enemy before 
night. The moon did not rise until eight, and 
at the close of day the Serapis and Countess 
of Scarborough tacked and stood in for tlie for- 
tress. Paul was lucky enough to discover tliis 
manoeuvre by means of liis nij»ht-glass, and 
immediately altered his course six points, with 
a view of cutting oif the enemy ; which was no 
sooner perceived by the Pallas, than it was sup- 



JONES. 325 

posed his crew had mutined, which induced her 
captain to hawl his wind, and stand out to 
sea; while the Alliance lay -to, to windward, 
at a very considerable distance ; and, thus de- 
serted, he was obliged to run all risks, and en- 
ter into action with the Richard only, to pre- 
vent the enemy's escape. He accordingly be- 
gan the engagement at seven o'clock at night, 
within pistol-shot of the Searapis, and sustain- 
ed the brunt of it for nearly a whole hour at 
that distance, exposed, not only to her fire, 
but also that of the Countess of Scarborough. 

I fn this unfortunate extremity, the Richard 
being ih imminct danger of going to the bot- 

1 torn, and her guns being no longer in a condi- 
tion to return the enemy's ilre, he had re- 
course to a dangerous expedient, — to grapple 

j with the Serapis. This manoeuvre succeeded 

I admirably ; he fastened the Serapis with his 
own hands, to the Richard ; and the captain 
of the countess of Scarborough, from that mo- 
ment, ceased to fire upon him. That vessel 
being to windward at the moment Paul had 
grappled, instantly dropped her anchor, hop- 
ing by this to disengage himself from him ; 
but this did not answer her expectation. The 
enemy, however, possessed the advantage of 
their two batteries, besides the guns on their 
forecastle and quarter-deck ; while Paul's can- 
non were either burst or abandoned, excepting 
four pieces on the forecastle, which were also 
relinquished during some minutes. At that 
period, having no greater object to occupy his 
attention, Paul himself took his post ; a few 
sailors came to his assistance, and served the 



32a JONES. 

two ^uns next to the enemy with surpwsing 
courage and address. A short time after this, 
he received sufficient help to he ahle to remove 
one of the forecastle guns from the opposite 
side ; so that they could only hring three to 
bear upon the enemy during the remainder of 
the action. It so happened at this period, that 
the main mast of the Serapis, which w as paint- 
ed yellow, appeared extremely distinct, so as 
to form an excellent mark; on this, he pointed 
one of his guns at it, taking care to ram home 
the shot. In the mean time, the two other 
pieces were admirably served against the Se- 
rapis, and swept its forecastle, by means of an 
oblique fire. The tops also seconded them 
bravely, by means of musquetry and swivels, 
and threw a multitude of grenades, so as 
greatly to annoy the enemy. By these means 
they were driven from their quarters, not- 
withstanding their superiority in point of men 
and artillery. The captain of the Serapis re- 
solved to strike; but an unlucky accident, 
occurred on board the Richard, prevented 
this. A bullet having destroyed one of the 
pumps the carpenter was seized with a panic, 
and told the gunner, and another petty officer, 
that the Richard was sinking. Some one ob- 
served at the same time, that both the com- 
modore and the lieutenant were killed; in 
consequence of which, the gunner, consider- 
ing himself as commanding officer, ran in- 
stantly to the quarter deck, in order to bawl 
down the American colours, but he soon found 
his mistake, on seeing Paul commanding at 
the guns* 



JONES. *3^I 

The captain of the Serapis, on hearing the 
I »^"""*^^' express his ^vishes to surrender, in. 
I ft*tantly addressed liimself to Jones, and ex- 
" claimed, ** Do you ask for quarter ? Do you 
tisk for quarter?" Paul Avas so occupied at 
this period, that he remained totally ignorant 
of ^vjiat had occurred on deck. He replied, 
however, " I do not dream of surrendering, 
but am determined to make you strike !*' On 
turning round, Paul perceived lieutenant Gruhb 
in tlie act of striking the colours, and seizing a 
pistol instantly shot him dead ! This is a fact 
well known, although Paul has passed it over 
iu silence in his writings. It has been observ- 
ed, that, when Jones commenced the action, 
the Pallas was at a great distance to wind- 
v.ard, while the Alliance lay-to in the same 
position. When the captain of the former per- 
ceived that the engagement took place, he 
spoke to his consort, but lost a great deal of 
time : and it was not until now that they came 
within gun shot t)f tiie countess of Scarbo- 
rough, and a kind of running fight took place 
between the latter and the Pallas. The Al- 
\ liance followed them, and, on passing the Com- 
modore, fired a broadside, which did more harm 
to them than to the Comanodore. The battle 
still continned with uncommon ardor between 
the Richard and the Serapis y whose rigging 
was burned, and her main mast cut away; 
while the heavier metal of the English drove 
in one of the sides of the Richard, and met 
with little resistance. In short, their helm 
was rendered useless; and the poop was only 
supported by an old and shattered piece of 



228 JONES. 

limber, winch alone prevented it from giving 
way. After a short engagement, the countess 
of Scarborough surrendered to the Pallas. It 
was then that the captain of the latter asked 
the comraander of the Alliance, *• ^Yhether he 
would take charge of the prize, or sail and give 
succour to the commodore ?" On this the Al- 
liauce began to stand backwards and forwards 
under her top sails, until, having got to the 
windward, she came down, and discharged a 
second broadside against the fore part of the 
Serapis and the stern of the Richard. On this, 
the commodore begged for God's sake that 
they would cease firing, and send a few men 
on board of them ; but he tlisobeyed, and fired 
another broadside as he passed along. 

The idea that the Richard was sinking had 
taken such possession of the gunner and car- 
penter's minds, that they actually opened the 
scuttles, and made all the prisoners, to the 
number of a hundred, sally forth, in opposition 
to the commander's reiterated orders. This 
event might have proved fatal, had he not ta- 
ken advantage of their aiTright, to station them 
at the pumps, where they displayed surprising 
zeal, appearing actually to forget their capti- 
vity ; for there was nothing to prevent their 
going on the Serapis ,* or it was in their power 
to put an end to the engagement in an instant, 
by either killing Jones, or throwing him into 
the sea. As the Richard's three quarter- 
deck guns continued to play on the Serapis, 
jTaked her stern, and damaged her mast in 
such a manner, that it was only supported 
from falling by the yards of their o\^ti ship. 



JONES. 22^ 

\\lii\e the tops poured in a continual discharge ; 
the fire of the English began to deaden in such 
a manner as to bereave them of ail hope of ul-^ 
timate success. A circumstance, however, oc- 
<;urred, that contributed not a little to the vic- 
tory of the Richard : this was the extraordi- 
nary intrepidity and presence of mind of a 
Scoteh sailor, posted in the main-top. This 
brave fellow, of his own accord, seized a light- 
ed match, and a basket of hand-grenades, with 
which he advanced along the main yard, until 
he had arrived exactly above the Serapis's 
deck. As the flames of their parapets and 
shrouds, added to the light of the moon, cna- 
Wed liim to distinguish objects, the moment he 
perceived two or three persons assembled to- 
gether, he instantly discharged a hand-gre- 
nade among them. At length, the captain of 
the Serapis came upon the quarter-deck, lower- 
ed his flag, and asked for quarter, at the very 
moment his main-mast had fallen into the sea. 
He then came on board with his oflicers, and 
presented the commodore with his sword. — 
SViiile this was transacting, eight or ten raca 
belonging to the Richanl, seized on the Sera- 
pis's shallop, which had been at anchor dur- 
ing the engagement, and made off. It was ele- 
ven o'clock when the battle ended ; it had con- 
sequently lasted more than four hours. Dur- 
ing the last three hours of the engagement 
both the vessels were on fire ; by throwin^^ 
water on the flames, it was sometimes suppos- 
ed that they were quenched ; but they always 
broke forth anew, and at the close of the ac- 
tion were not wholly extinguished. 
I' 



i^O JONES. 

Next morning the weather was hazy, and 
not a single sail to be seen. They examinetl 
the Richard, to see if it were possible to carry 
her into any port ; and this proving wholly im- 
practicable, all the boats were employed in 
carrying the wounded on board the other ves- 
sels, i'his occupied much of their time ; and 
on the succeeding day the vessel sunk. On 
this occasion, the commodore could only save 
the signal flags; and he lost all his property, 
amounting to more than 25,000 livres. The 
commodore now assumed the command of the 
Serapis, on which he erected jury-masts ; but 
the sea was so tempestuous that it was ten 
days before they reached the Texel. No sooner 
Avas his arrival known, than forty-two vessels, 
forming different squadrons of frigates, were 
fiited out from the various ports of Great Bri- 
tain against him, and two of these were sta- 
tioned during three months at the mouths of 
the Texel and the Fly. 

On his arrival in America Congress passed 
an act, dated April 14, 1781, in which he was 
thanked, in the most flattering manner, ** for 
the zeal, the prudence, and the intrepidity, 
with wliich he sustained the honor of the Ame- 
rican flag ; for his bold and successful enter- 
prise, with a view to redeem from captivity 
the citizens if America, who had fallen into 
the hands of the English; andfor the eminent 
services by which he had added lustre to his 
own character and the arms of America." A 
committee of Congress was also of opinion, 
** that he deserved a gold medal in remem- 
brance of his services.'' 



KALiJ. 33i 

After Great Britain liad recognized the so- 
vereignty and independence of the United 
States of America, Jones purchased a small 
estate in Kentucky, and after living in great 
splendor some time, died in the summer of 
1801, aged fifty two years. 

KALB, Baron de, a major general in the 
American army, Avas a German by hirth ^ and 
from the best information obtainable, must 
have served during the war of 1775 in some 
of the inferior stations of the quarter master 
general's department, in thx; imperial army 
operating with that of his most cliristian ma- 
jesty ; it being well ascertained by his acquain- 
tances in our army that he was intimately vers- 
ed in the details of that department. Towards 
the close of that war, he must have been des- 
patched by the French court to North Ameri- 
ca, as he himself often mentioned his having 
traversed the then British provinces in a con- 
cealed character; the object of which tour can- 
not be doubted, as the baron never failed, when 
speaking of the existing war, to express his as- 
tonishment, how any government could have 
so blundered as to have effaced the ardent and 
deep aftection which, to his own knowledge, ex- 
isted on the part of the colonies to Great Bri- 
tain previous to the late rupture. A prefer- 
ence, equalled only by their antipathy to the 
French nation, which was so powerful as to 
induce the baron to consider it, as he called 
it, " instinctive." 

Just before the peace our incognitus, be- 
coming suspected, was ari'ested ; and for a few 
days lie was imprisoned. Oc an examination of 



:23^ XALB. 

his baggage and papers, nothing could hefoiin^ 
confirming the suspicion Avhich had induced hi* 
arrest, and he Avas discharged. 

Such discovery was not practicable ; as dur- 
ing this tour, the baron himself declared, that 
he relied entirely upon his memory, which was 
singularly strong ; never venturing to commit 
to paper the information of others or his own 
observations. On the restoration of peace the 
baron returned to Europe, and came once more 
to America in 1777 or 1778, recommended to^ 
congress with Iho rank of major general, and 
repaired to the main army, in Avhich he serv- 
ed at the head of the Maryland division very 
much respected. 

Possessing a stout frame, with excellent 
health, no cllicer was more able to encounter 
the toils of war. Moderate in mental powers, 
as in literary acquirements, he excelled chiefly 
in practical knowledge of men and things, gain- 
ed during a long life by close and accurate in- 
vestigation of ihe cause and effect of passing 
events. 

The business of espionage has been brought 
in France to a science, and a regular trained 
corps, judiciously organized, is ever in the ser- 
vice of the court. Of this body there is strong 
reason to believe that the baron was a mem- 
ber, and probably one of the chief confidants 
of that government in the United States. No 
man was better qualified for the undertaking. 
He was sober, drinking water only : abste- 
Hiious to excess ; living on bread, sometimes 
with beef soap, at other times with cold beef; 
industrious, it being his constant habit to risu 



KALB. 333 

ftt five in the morning, light his candle, devote 
liimself to writing, which was never intermitt- 
ed during the day but when interrupted by his 
short meuls, or by attention to his official du- 
ty ; and jrolbundJy secret. 

No man surpassed this gentleman in simpli- 
city and condescension ; which gave to his de- 
portment a cast of amiability extremely ingra- 
ciating, exciting confidence and esteem. 

At the battle of Camden, in South Carolina, 
baron de Kalb Iiad a distinguished command. 
General Lee, from whose memoirs of the war 
in the southern department, we copy this sketch, 
speaking of the battle of Camden, says — *< ma- 
jor generiil baron de Kalb, charged with the 
I line of battle, took post on the right ; while 
( the general in chief, (Gates,) superintending 
' the whole, placed himself on the road between 
, the line and the reserve. The light of day 
dawned — the signal for battle. Instantly our 
centre opened its artillery, and the left of our 
I line, under Stevens, was ordered to advance. 
\ Stevens exhorting his soldiers to rely on the 
I bayonet, advanced with his accustomed intre- 
pidity. Lieutenant colonel Otho Williams, ad- 
jutant genei^l, preceded him with a band of 
volunteers, in order to invite the fire of the 
enemy before they were in reach of the mili- 
tia, that experience of its inefiieacy might en- 
courage the latter to their duty. The British 
geniM-al, closely watching our motions, disco- 
vered this movement on the left, and gave or- 
jders to Webster to lead into battle with the 
ipight. Our left was instantly overpowered by 
(the assault ; and the brave Stevens had to eu* 
I V 2' 



2S^ KALB. 

dure the mortifying spectacle, exhibited by his 
flying brigade. AVithout exchanging more than 
one fire Avith the enemy, they threw away their 
arms; and sought that safety inflight, which 
generally can be obtained only by courageous 
resistance. The North Carolina brigade in- 
viting that on the right, followed the shame- 
ful example. Stevens, Caswell, and Gates, 
himself struggled to stop the fug-itives, and 
pally them for battle ; but every noble feeling 
of the heart was sunk in base solicitude to pre- 
serve life ; and having no cavalry to assist their 
exertions, the attempted reclamation failed en- 
tirely. The continental troops, with Dixon's 
regiment of North Carolinians, were left to 
oppose the enemy ; every corps of whose ar- 
my Avas acting with the most determined re- 
solution, De Kalb and Gist yet held the bat- 
tle on the right in suspense. Lieutenant colo- 
nel Howard, at the head of "William's regi- 
ment drove the corps in front out of line. 
Rawdon could not bring the brigade of Gist 
to recede : — bold was the pressure of the foe ; 
Arm as a rock the resistance of Gist. Now 
the Marylanders were gaining ground ; but 
the deplorable desertion of the militia having 
left Webster unemployed, he detached some 
light troops with Tarleton's cavalry in pur- 
suit, and opposed himself to the reserve, 
brought up by Smallwood to replace the fu- 
gitives. Here the battle was renewed with 
fierceness and obstinacy. The gallant Mary- 
landers, with Dixon's regiment, although 
greatly outnumbered, flrmly maintained the 
desperate conflict ; and de Kalb, now finding 



ICALB. 235 

liis once exposed flank completely shielded, 
resorted to the bayonet. Dreadful was the 
charge ! In one point of the line the enemy 
>vere driven before us with the loss of many 
prisoners. But Avhile Sui all wood covered the 
flank of the second brigade, his left became 
exposed ; and Webster, never omitting to seize 
every advantage, turned the light infantry and 
twenty third regiment on his flank. Small- 
wood, however, sustained himself with undi- 
minished vigor ; but borne down at last by su- 
periority of force, the first brigade receded. 
Soon it returned to the line of battle ; again 
it gave ground, and again rallied. Meanwhile 
dc Kalb, with our ri -ht, preserved a conspi- 
cuous superiority. Lord Cornwallis, sensible 
of tli<* advantages gained, and aware of the 
difiiculty to which we were subjected by the 
shameful flight of oin* left, concentrated his 
force and made a decisive charge. Our brave 
troops were broken ; and his lordship, follow- 
ing up the blow, compelled the intrepid Mary- 
landers to abandon the unequal contest. To 
the woods and swamps, after performing their 
duty valiently, these gallant soldiers were con> 
pelled to fly. 

" Our loss was very heavy. More than a 
third of the continentals were killed and wound- 
ed ; and of the wounded one hundred and se- 
venty were made prisoners. 

" De Kalb, sustaining by liis splendid ex» 
ample tlie courageous eflx)rts of our inferior 
force, in his last resolute attempt to seize 
victory, received eleven wounds, and was made 
prisoner. His lingering life was rescued from 



^S6 KALB. 

immediate death by the brave interposition of 
lieutenant-colonel du Buysson? one of his aid- 
de-camps 5 who, embracing the prostrate ge- 
neral, received into his own body the bayonets 
pointed at his Mend. The heroic veteran, 
though treated with every attention, survived 
but a few days. !Never were the last moments 
of a soldier better employed. He dictated a 
letter to general Smailwood, who succeeded to 
the command of his division, breathing in eve- 
ry word his sincere and ardent affection for 
his officers and soldiers ; expressing his admi- 
ration of their late noble, tho!igh unsuccessful 
stand ; reciting the eulogy wiiieh their bra- 
very liad extorted from the enemy ; together 
with the lively delight sucli testimony of their 
valor had excited in his own mind ; then hover- 
ing on the shadowy confines of life. Feeling 
the pressure of death, 4ie stretched out his 
quivering hand to his friend de Buysson, proud 
of his generous wounds, and breathed his last 
in benedictions on his fiiithful, brave division. 
"We lost, besides major general baron de Kalb, 
many excellent officers ; and among them lieu- 
tenant colonel Potterfield, whose promise of 
future greatness had endeared him to the 
whole army. Brigadier Rutherford of the 
Horth Carolina militia, and major Thomas^ 
Pjnckney,* of the south Carolina line, aid- 
de-camp to general Gates, were both wounded 
and taken. 

The British lost three hundred and twenty 
live, in killed and wounded. 

*Now a najor general in ihe aimy of the United 

States. 



killen: ^47 

(In the 14tli of Oct^)bcp, 1780, Congress re- 
solved, that a monument shoukl be erected to 
his memory, in the town of Annapolis, in the 
state of Maryland, with the following inscrip- 
tion : 

Sacred to the memory of the 

BAllON DE KALB, 

Knight of the royal order of Military Merit, 

Brigadier of the armies of France, 

and 

MAJOR GENEKAl 

In the service of the United States of America. 
Having served with honor and reputation 
For three years. 
He gave a last and glorious proof of his at- 
tachment to the liberties of mankind. 
And the cause of America, 
In the action near Camhden, South Carolina, 
I On the 16th of August, 1780 ; 

Wliere, leading on the troops of the 
, Maryland and Delaware lines. 

Against superior numbers, 
V And animating them by his example^. 
K To deeds of valor, 

^ He was pierced with many wounds. 
And on the nineteenth following expired. 
In the 48th year of his age. 

TUE CONGRESS 

Of the United States of America, 
In gratitude to his zeal, services and merit. 
Have erected this monument. 
KILLEN, W11.LIAM, chancellor of the state 
of Delaware, was a native of Ireland. Early 
in life, before he had attained the age of man- 
hood, he arrived in America possessed of a de- 



L 



238 KILLEN. 

cent property, and having an excellent ediiea 
tion in the English language. After passing 
through a variety of scenes, incidental to 
strangers, he settled himself in tlie family of 
Samuel Dickinson, esquire, the father of John 
Dickinson, esquire, of Wilmington. There he 
devoted himself, most assiduously, to the ac- 
quisition of a competent knowledge of the 
Greek and Latin languages under the direction 
of Jacoh Orr, who was engaged in teaching 
the sons of Mr. Dickinson, and some other 
young gentlemen. The diligence and modesty 
of Mr. Killcn made him a favorite of the whole 
family, and particularly of his instructor. His 
unwearied attention was rewarded hy a rapid 
proficiency in his studies. Having thus become 
acquainted with the learned languages, and be- 
ing qualified to be useful to his adopted coun- 
try, his talents were soon called into action. — 
After holding the office of county-surveyor for 
some yet?rs, he commenced the study of the 
law. In the courts of Delaware his know- 
ledge, and especially his skill in surveying, and 
in various branches of the mathematics render- 
ed him an able assistant in suits for land, and 
in such trials the most eminent men of his day 
were always pleased to associate with him as 
their colleague. His practice soon became ex- 
tensive. His moderation, his modesty, and 
his punctuality in business, aided by his abili- 
ties, led him to wealth and to all the honors of 
his country. For many years before the re- 
volution he was selected by his fellow citizens 
to represent them in the assembly of Del a- 
ware. At the cQinmeneement of the contest 



KIRKWOOD. 259 

with Great Britain, he took a decided and ac- 
tive part in favor of American liherty. Soon 
after the declaration of indeptvndence he was 
appointed chief justice of the supreme court of 
the state of Delaware, which office he held till 
he was promoted to that of chancellor in 1793. 
He resigned his seat in the court of chancery 
in 1801, and died at Dover Octoher 3, 1805, 
in the eighty fourth year of his age. In all 
the variety of public business, in which he was 
engaged, he exhibited the strictest integrity. 
As a legislator he was wise and attentive to 
the interests of his constituents, and as a judge 
he was learned, patient and impartial. The 
' same uprightness, which marked his public 
I character, was also conspicuous in all the re- 
( lations of private life. 

I KIRKWOOD, , was the senior cap- 

! tain in the Delaware Regiment, commanded by 
I col. Vaughn. Captain Kirkwood highly dis- 
tinguished himself at the battle of Cambden, 
I in South Carolina. He passed through the 
\ "war with high reputation. After Great Bri- 
I tain gave up the contest, and recognised our in- 
dependence, captain Kirkwood retired as a cap- 
tain ; and when the army under General St. 
Clair was raised, to defend the West from the 
Indian enemy, this veteran resumed his sword 
as the eldest captain of the oldest regiment. 

In the decisive defeat on the fourth of No- 
vember, the gallant Kirkwood fell, bravely sus- 
taining his point of the action. It was the 
thirty third time he had risked his life for his 
country ; and he died as he lived, the brave, 
and meritorious Kirkwood. 



2^t? KjS'OX. 

KNOX, IIexby, major general in the Amc- 
i'icjin army during the revolutionary >yar, wai^ 
born in Boston, July 25, 1750. His parents 
were of Scottish descent. Of the adventures 
or history of his early years, we have not heen 
able to obtain any particular account. It is 
ascertained, however, that in his education he 
had the advantages of those excellent schools, 
for which Boston has long been justly celebrat- 
ed. Before our revolutionary war, which af- 
forded an opportunity for the development of 
his patriotic feelings and military talents, he 
was engaged in a bookstore. By means of his 
early education and tliis honorable employ- 
ment, he acquired a taste for literary pursuits, 
which he retained through life. But if no bril- 
liant achievement marked the period of his 
youth, it was distinguished by a very honora- 
ble and estimable trait of character, an atten- 
tive and affectionate deportment to his widow- 
ed, aged mother. His filial solicitude ceased 
but with her life. In his greatest elevation, 
in his most pressing duties of a public natur^^ 
she was remembered and honored. 

Young Knox gave early proofs of his attach- 
ment to the cause of freedom and liis country. 
It will be recollected, that, in various parts of 
the state, volunteer companies were formed in 
1774, with a view to awaken the martial spirit 
of the people, and as a soi't of preparation for 
the contest which was apprehended. Knox was 
an officer in a military corps of this denomina- 
tion ; and was distinguished by his activity and 
discipline. There is evidence of his giving un 
oo'mmon attention to militarv tactics at this 



KNOX. iu 

4)ci'ioJ, especially to the branch of enginery 
and artillery, in which he afterwards so great** 
ly excelled. 

It is also to be recorded, in proof of his pre- 
dominant love of country and its liberties, that 
he had, before this time, become connected with 
a very respectable family, which adhered to the 
measures of the British ministry ; and had re- 
ceived great promises both of honor and profit, 
if he would follow the standard of his sovereign.- 
Even at this time, his talents were too great to 
be overlooked ; and it was wished, if possible, 
to prevent him from attaching himself to the 
cause of the provincials. lie was one of tliosc 
whose departure from Boston was interdicted 
by governor Gage, soon after the affair of Lex- 
ington. The object of Gage was probably not 
so much to keep these eminent characters as 
hostages, as to deprive the Americans of their 
talents and services. In June, however, he 
found means to make his way through the Bri- 
tish lines to the American army at Cambridge.- 
He was here received with joyful enthusiasm : 
for his knowledge of the military art, and his 
zeal for the liberties of the country were ad- 
mitted by all. The provincial congress, then 
convened at Watertown, immediately sent for 
him, and entrusted solely to him the erection 
of such fortresses as might be necessary to pre- 
vent a sudden attack from the enemy in Boston. 

The little army of militia collected in and 
about Cambri^Ige in the spring of 1775, soo?i 
after the battle of Lexington, was witliout or- 
der and discipline. All was insubordination 
^nd confusion. General ^Vashington did not 



<2k% KNOX. 

arrive to take command of the tioops until aj^ 
tcr this period. In this state of things, Knox 
declined any particular commission ; though he 
readily directed his attention and exertions to 
the objects which congress requested. 

It was in the course of this season, and be- 
fore he had formally undertaken the command 
of the artillery, that Knox volunteered his ser- 
yiees to go to St. John's in the province of Ca- 
nada, and to bring thence to Cambridge all the 
heavy ordnance and military stores. This ha- 
zardous cnterprize he eifected in a manner 
which astonished all who knew the difficulty 
of the service. 

. Soon after his return from this fortunate ex- 
pedition, he took <3ommand of the mIioIc corps 
of the artillery of our army, and retained it 
until the close of the war. To him the coun- 
try was chiefly indebted for the organization of 
the artillery and ordnance department. He 
gave it both form and efficiency; and it was 
distinguished alike for its expertness of disci- 
pline and promptness of execution. 

At the battle of Monmouth, in Kew-Jerscy, 
in June, 1778, general Knox exhibited new 
proofs of his bravery and skill. Under his 
personal and immediate direction, the artil- 
lery gave great eft'ect to the success of that 
memorable day. It will be remembered, that 
the British troops were much more numerous 
than ours ; and that general Lee was charged 
with keeping back the battalion he commaml- 
cd from the field of battle. The situation of 
our army was most critical. General Wash- 
ington was personally engaged in rallying and 



KNOX. 243 

dirccrting the troops in the most dangerous pc- 
silions. The affair terminated in favour of our 
gallant arnij ; and generals Knox and Wayne 
received the particular commendations of the 
commander in chief, the foliowing day, in the 
orders issued on the occasion. After mention- 
ing the good conduct and bravery of general 
Wayne, and thanking tlie gallant officers and 
men, who distinguished themselves, general 
Washington says, ^* lie can with pleasure in- 
form general Knox and the oflicers of the ar- 
tillery, that the enemy have done them the jus" 
tice to acknowledge that no artillery could be 
better served than ours." 

Lord Moira, who is, perhaps, the greatest 
general in England, at the present time, has, 
in a late publication, borne testimony to the 
military talents of general Knox. Nor, should 
the opinion of the marquis Chattleleaux be 
omitted. << As for general Knox," he say?, 
to praise his military talents only, would be to 
deprive him of half the culogium he merits. — 
A man of understanding, well informed, gay, 
sincere and honest, it is impossible to know,; 
without esteeming him, or to see, Mithout lov- 
ing him. Thus have the English, without in- 
tention, added to the ornament of the human 
species, by awakening talents where they least 
wished or expected." 

W^e are aware, that general Knox never had 
the chief command in distant ])arts of the coun* 
try, as had Gates, Sullivan, Greene, and Lin- 
coln. But having the particular inspection 
and command of the artillery, it was necessary 
he should continue with the main body of the 



%U KIICOX. 

troops where tlie eoiamander in ehief resideif . 
However, another reason may be assigned for 
this, highly honorable to general Knox ; and 
Avhich goes to show, that it was not for want 
of the conlidenee of Washington. "When gene- 
1^1 Greene was offered the arduous command 
of the soutliern department, he repliec! to the 
commander in ehief, ** Knox is the man for 
this difficult undertaking; all obstacles vanish 
before him; his resources are infinite." — 
*• True," replied Washington, " and therefore 
I cannot part with him." 

No officer in the army, it is believed, more 
largely shared in the affection and confidence 
pf the illustrious Washington. In every ac- 
tion where he appeared, Knox was with him : 
at every council of war, he bore a part. In 
truth, he possessed talents and qualities, which 
could not fail to recommend him to a man of 
the discriminating mind of Washington. He 
was intelligent, brave, patriotic, humane, ho- 
norable. Washington soon became sensible of 
his merits, and bestowed on him his esteem, 
his friendship and confidence. 

On the resignation of major-general Benja- 
min Lincoln, Knox was appointed secretary of 
the war department by congress during the pe- 
riod of the confederation. And when the fede- 
ral government was organized in 1789, he was 
designated by president Washington for the 
same honorable and responsible office. In 
speaking of this appointment of general Knox, 
judge Marshall has been pleased thus to cha- 
racterise the man : « Throughout the contest 
of the reYoliition, this officer had continued at 



KNOX. au 

the head of the American artillery : and from 
being the colonel of a regiment had been pro- 
moted to the rank of a major-general. In this 
important station, he had preserved a high mi- 
litary character, and on the resignation of ge- 
neral Lincoln, had been appointed secretary of 
war. To his past services and to unquestiona- 
ble integrity, he was admitted to unite a sound 
understa»Kiing ; and the public judgment as 
well as that of the chief magistrate pronounc- 
ed him in all respects competent to the station 
he filled. The president was highly giatiiied 
in believing that hi^ public duty comported 
with his private inclinations in nominating ge- 
neral Knox to the office which had been con- 
ferred on him under tlie former government." 

This ofiiec he held for about five yenrs ; en« 
joying the confidence of the president, and es- 
teemed by all his colleagues in the administra- 
tion of the federal government. Of his talents^ 
his integrity, and his devotion to the interests 
and prosperity of his country, no one had ever 
any reason to doubt. la 179i, he retired from 
office to a private station, follo^yed by the es- 
teem and love of all who had been honored with 
his acquaintance. 

At this time, he removed with his family to 
Thomaston, on St. George's river, in the dis- 
trict of Maine, two hundred miles north east 
of Boston ; and there lie resided the greater 
part of the time, until Lis death, in October^ 
1806. lie was possessed of extenive landed 
property in that part cf the country, whicii 
had formerly belonged to general Waldo, the 
maternal grandfather of Mrs. Knox. Near 
X2 



246 KNOX. 

ilie head of the lide-^vaters of that, ou the site 
of an old fort, he erected a spacious mansion, 
evincive at once of the taste and liberality of 
the owner. His numerous guests were receiv- 
ed with a smile of complacency, and attended 
by the genius of hospitality. He was furnish- 
ed with a handsome collection of well chosen 
volumes in the different branches of literature 
and science ; with an exception, however, as it 
respects the ancient classics. His public spirit 
was displayed in numerous instances, by en- 
couraging schools, promoting the erection of a 
place of public religious worship, and by excit- 
ing an attention to agricultui^ among his neigh- 
bours. 

At the request of his fellow citizens, though 
unsolicited on his part, he filled a seat at the 
council-board of Massachusetts, during several 
years of his residence {it Thomaston ; and the 
degree of Doctor of Laws was conferred on 
Jiim by the president and trustees of Hart- 
mouth College. 

In the year 1798, when the repeated insults 
of the French directors made it necessary for 
our national rulers to manifest a resolution to 
defend our rights, general Knox was sgain se- 
lected with Washington and others, to protect 
the honor and liberties of our country. 

The amiable virtues of the citizen and the 
man were as conspicuous in the character of 
general Knox, as the niore brilliant and com- 
manding talents of the hero and statesman. — 
The afflicted and destitute were sure to share 
of his compassion and charity. <* His heart 
"Was made of tenderness ;" and he often disrc- 



KNOX. 9A7 

garded his own wishes and convenience, in kind 
endeavours lo i)romote the interest and liappi- 
ness of his friends. 

The possession of extensive property and 
liigh office is too apt to er.j^ender pride and in- 
solence. But general Knox was entirely ex- 
empt, both in disposition a?id manners, from 
this common frailty. Mildness ever beamed 
in his countenance ; ^' on his tongue were the 
words of kindness," and equity and generosity 
always marked his intercourse with his fellow- 
men. The poor, he never oppressed : the 
more obscure citizen, we believe, could never 
complain of injustice at his hands. With all 
classes of people he dealt on the most fair and 
honorable principles ; and would sooner submit 
to a sacrifice of property himself than injure 
or defraud another. 

In his person, general Knox was above the 
common stature j of noble and commanding 
form ; of manners elegant, conciliating and 
dignified. 

To the amiable qualities and moral excel- 
lencies of general Knox, which have already- 
been enumerated, we may justly add his pre- 
vailing disposition to piety. With much of 
the ma?iiners of the gay world, and 0])poscd, as 
he was, to all superstition and bigotry, he 
might not appear to those ignoiant of his bet- 
ter feelings, to possess religious and devout 
affections. But to his friends it was abundantly 
evident, that he cherished exalted sentiments 
of devotion and piety to God. He was a firm 
believer in the natural and moral attribute* of 



■ ^%8 LAURENS. 

the Deity, and in bis overruling and all perva- 
ding providence. 

General Knox, died at Thomastown, Octo- 
ber 25, 1806, aged fifty six years. His death 
was occasioned l>y his swallowing the bone of 
a chicken. 

LAURENS, HENRT, president of Congress, 
was a native of South Carolina, and took aa 
early part in opposing the arbitrary claims of 
Great Britain, at the commenceraent of the 
American Revolution. AVhcn the provincial 
congress of Carolina met in June 1775, he was 
appointed its president, in which capacity he 
drew up a form of association, to be signed by 
all the friends cf liberty, which indicated a 
most determined spirit. After the establish- 
ment of the temporary constitution in 1770, 
he was elected vice president. Being appoint* 
ed a memherofthe general congress, after J;he 
resignation of Hancock, he was appointed pre- 
sideitt of that illustrious assembly in Novem- 
ber 1777. In 1780 he was deputed to solicit a 
loan from Holland and to negociate a treaty 
with the United Netherlands. But on his pas- 
sage he WIS captured by a British vessel on 
the banks of Newfoundland. Ho threw his 
papers overboard, but they were recovered by 
a sailor. Being sent to England, he was com- 
mitted to the tower on the sixth of October as 
a state prisoner upon a charge of high treason. 
Here he was conlined more than a year and was 
treated with great severity, being denied for 
the most part all intercourse with his friends^ 
and forbidden the use cf pen, ink, and paper* 
His capture occasioned no small embarrass- 



Z.APRENS, 24^ 

ment to the ministry. They dared not con? 
demn him as a rehel through fear of retalia- 
tion, and they were unwilling to release him^ 
lest he should aecomplisli the ohject of his 
mission. The discoveries found in his papers 
led to a war with Great Britain and Holland, 
and Mr. Adams was appointed in his place to 
carry on the negotiation with the united pro- 
vinces. During his imprisonment, it was in- 
timated to Mr. Laurens, that it miglit he of 
advantage to him, if he could induce his son, 
then on a mission to France, to withdraw from 
that country. He replied, that "such was 
the filial regard of his son, that he knew he 
would not hesitate to forfeit his life for his la- 
ther ; hut that no consideration would induce 
colonel Laurens to relinquish his honor, even 
were it possible for any circumstance to pre- 
vail on his father to make the improper re- 
quest." At length, in December 1761, enfee- 
bled in health, and apparently sinking into the 
grave if continued in confinement, he sent a 
petition to the house of commons for release, 
stating that he had labored to preserve the 
friendship between Great Britain and the colo- 
nies, and had extended acts of kindness to 
British prisoners of war. At the close of the 
year he was accordingly released. He return^ 
cd to this country, and died in South Carolina, 
December 8, 1792, in the seventieth year of 
his age. He directed his son to burn his body 
on the third day, as the sole condition of inhe- 
riting an estate of sixty thousand pounds step- 
^'ing. 



^Ba LAURENS. 

LAURENS, John, a brave officer in tLc 
American war, was the son of the preceding, 
and was sent to England for his education. — 
He joined the army in the beginning of 1777, 
from which time he was foremost in danger. — 
He was present and distinguished himself in 
every action of the army under general Wash* 
ington, and was among the first, who entered 
the British lines at York Town. Early in 
1781, while he held the rank of lieutenant 
colonel, he Avas selected as the most suitable 
person to depute on a special mission to France 
to solicit a loan of money and to procure mili- 
tary stores. He arrived in March and return- 
ed in August, having been so successful in the 
execution of his commission, that congress 
passed a vote of thanks for his services. Such 
was his dispatch, that in three days after he 
3'epaired to Philadelphia, he finished his busi- 
ness with congress, and immediately afterward 
rejoined the American arniy. On the twenty 
seventh of August, 1782, in opposing a forag- 
ing party of the British, near Comlahee river, 
in South Carolina, he was mortally wounded, 
and he died at the age of twenty seven years. 

The following eulogium on the character of 
lieutenant colonel Laurens, we copy from Mar- 
shall's life of Washington : 

** This gallant and aeeomplished young gen- 
tleman had entered at an early period of the 
war into the family of the commander in chief, 
and had always shared a large portion of his 
esteem and confidence. Brave to excess, he 
bought every occasion in addition to those fur- 
nished by his stalioa ia the army, to render 



LAtfRENS. 251 

service to his country, and acquire that mili- 
tary fame m liicli he pursued with the ardour of 
a young soldier whose courage seems to have 
partaken of that romantic spirit which youth 

and enthusiasm produce in a fearless mind 

Nor was it in the camp alone he was fitted to 
shine. His education was liberal ,• and those 
who knew him state his manners to have heen 
engaging, and his temper affectionate. In a 
highly finished portrait of his character drawn 
by doctor Ramsay, he says, that, ** a dauntless 
bravery was the least of his virtues, and an 
excess of it his greatest foib!?." 

^* Tlie confidential duties lo which he was 
called by general Washington, and the manner 
in which he performed them, speak in favor 
of his talints; and the important mission to 
France with which he was intrusted by con- 
gress, attests the high opinion his country had 
formed of him, no less than the satisfactory 
manner in which he executed that mission, 
justifies the favor with which he was viewed. 
Answering the letter of Greene which gare 
notice of his fate, general Washington said, 
«* the death of colonel liaurens, I consider as 
a very heavy misfortune, not only to the pub- 
lic at large, but particularly to his family, and 
to all his private friends and connections, to 
whom Ids amiable and useful character liad 
rendered him peculiarly dear.*' 

^' No small addition to the regrets ot>casion- 
ed by the loss of this interesting young jnan, 
was derived from the reflection, that he fell 
unnecessarily in an unimportant skirmish, in 
the last Hionients of the war, when exposing 



%pz LEE. 

himself to the danger >vhich proved fatal to 
him, couhl no longer be useful to his country." 

His abilities ^Yerc exhibited in the legisla- 
ture and in the cabinet, as well as in the field. 
lie was zealous for the rights of humanity, and, 
living in a country of slaves, contended that 
personal liberty was the birth right of every 
human being, however diversified by country, 
color, or powers of mind. Hi« insinuating ad- 
dress won the hearts of all his acquaintance, 
while his sincerity and virtue secured their 
lasting esteem. 

LEJE, cnAiii.Es, a major general in the ser- 
vice of the United States, during the revolu- 
tionary war, was an Englishman by birth, and 
the youngest son of John Lee, a colonel in the 
British service. From his early youth he was 
ardent in the pursuit of knowledge ; and being 
an officer at eleven years of age, may be consi- 
dered as i.aving been born in the army. This 
circumstance deprived him of some regularity 
with respect to the mode of his education, yet 
his genius led him assiduously to cultivate tbc 
fields of science, and he acquired a competent 
knowledge in the languages of Greece and 
Rome ; while his fondness for travelling gave 
him als® an opportunity of attaining the Ita- 
lian, French, German and Spanish. 

Having laid a good foundation, tactics be- 
came his favourite study, and it seemed to be 
the height of his ambition to distinguish him- 
self in tlie profession of arms. AVe according- 
ly find him very early in America, command- 
ing a company of grenadiers, and lie was wound- 



liEE. 2^ 

cd at the battle of Ticonderogo, where getip- 
fal Abercrombie was defeated. 

When he returned to England, from Amcri* 
(»a, after the reduction of Montreal, he found 
a general peace was in contemplation* The 
cession of Canada to the French was talked of ; 
a circumstance which gave great uneasiness to 
the Americans. On this occasion he published 
a pamphlet, shewing the importance of Cana- 
da to Great Britain. In the year 1762, he bore 
a colonel's commission, and served under gene- 
ral Burgoyne, in Portugal, in Avhich service he 
acquitted himself with the greatest honor. 

Not long afterwards he entered into the Po- 
lish service. Though he was absent when th6 
stamp act passed, he yet, by his ktters, zea- 
lously supported the cause of America. In 
the years 1771, 1772 and 1773 he travelled 
over all Europe, for he could not content him- 
self in a life of idlenes and inactivity. Dur- 
ing this excursion he was engaged with an ol- 
jficer in Italy in an affair of honor, and he kil- 
led his antagonist, escaping himself with the 
loss of two fingers. 

The destruction of the British East India 
Company's tea, at Boston, the 16th of Dceem- 
ber. Was a prelude to the calamities, which 
afterwards ensued. At this crisis, general 
iLee's mind was not unobservant or inactive ; 
he both by his conversation and bis pen, ani- 
mated the colonists to a great degree, and 
persuaded them to make a persevering resis- 
tance. 

During tliis winter, and the ensuing sum- 
in^'r^ he visited most places of eminence from 

Y 



25i LEE. 

Tirginia to Boston, at which last place he ar-. 
rived on the first of August, 177 i. The most 
active political characters on the American 
theatre, received him every where with joy, 
considering his presence amongst them as a 
most propitious omen. General Gage had 
now issued his proclamation ; ,and though Lee 
was on half pay in the British service, it did 
not prevent him from expressing his senti- 
ments in terms of the most pointed severity 
against the ministry. In short, he blazed forth 
a whig of the first magnitude, and communi- 
cated a great portion of his spirit to all with 
whom he conversed. As he continued travel- 
ling from place to place, he became known to 
all, who distinguished themselves in this im- 
portant opposition ; his company and corres- 
pondence were eagerly courted, and many oc- 
casional political pieces, the production of his 
pen, were eagerly read and much admired. 

Li 1774 he was induced by the persuasion 
of his friend. General Gates, to purcliase a 
valuable tract of land, of two or three thou- 
sand acres, in Berkely county, Virginia, where 
general Gates was at that time settled. In 
May 1775 he went to Philadelphia, where 
Congress was then assembled. The battle of 
Lexington, and some other matters had ripen- 
ed the contest ; and Lee's active and enterpris- 
ing disposition was ready for the most ardu- 
ous purposes. He therefore accepted the com- 
mission of major general from Congress, and 
resigned thut which he held in the British sei - 
vice. 



LEE. 253 

This lie did in a letter, which he transmitted 
to Lord Barringtou, then secretary at >var; 
in which he assured his lordship that though 
he had renounced his half pay, yet whenever 
it should please his majesty to call him forth 
to any honorable service against the enemies 
of his country, no man would obey the sum- 
mons, with more zeal and alacrity than him- 
self; but he, at the same time, expressed his 
! disapprobation of the present measures, in the 
most direct terms, declaring them to be so 
<< absolutely subversive of the rights and li- 
berties of every individual subject ; so destruc- 
; tive to the whole empire at large, and ulti- 
mately so ruinous to liis majesty's own person, 
j dignity and family, that he thought himself 
, obliged, in conscience as a citizen, English- 
( man and a soldier of a free state, to exert his 
I utmost to defeat them." 

I He accompanied Washington to the camp at 
I Cambridge, where he arrived July 2, 1775, 
j and was received with every mark of respect. 
I In the beginning of the following year he was 
I dispatched to New York to prevent the British 
from obtaining possession of the city and the 
j Hudson. This trust lie executed with great 
I wisdom and energy. He disarmed all suspiei- 
i ous persons on Long Island, and drew up a test 
' to be offered to every one, whose attachment 
j to the American casue was doubted. His bold 
I measures carried terror wherever he appear* 
I ed. He seems to have been very fond of this 
I application of a test ; for in a letter to the pre- 
I sident of congress he informs him, that he had 
j taken the liberty at Newport to administer to 



H mimbcr of the tories a very strong oath, m^ 
article of which was, that they should take 
arms in defence of their country, if called 
iJpon by congress, and he recommends, that 
this measure should be adopted in reference to 
all the tories in America. Those fanatics, 
who might refuse to take it, he thought should 
be carriedinto the interior. 

Congress had now received the account of 
general Montgomery's unsuccessful expedition 
against Quebec. As the most flattering expec- 
tation had been entertained of the success of 
this officer, the event threw a gloom on Ame- 
rican affairs. To remedy this disaster, con- 
gress directed their attention to general Lee ; 
and resolved that he should forthwith repair 
to Canada, and take upon him the command 
of the army of the United Colonies in that 
province. To this he readily consented 5 but, 
whilst preparations were making for the im- 
portant undertaking, congress changed their 
determination, and appointed him to the com- 
mand of the southern department, in which 
he became very conspicuous, as a vigilant, 
brave, and active officer. His extensive cor- 
respondence, his address under every difficul- 
ty, and his unwearied attention to the duties 
of his station, all evinced his great military 
capacity, and extreme usefulness in the cause 
he had espoused. 

Every testimony of respect was paid him 
by the people of the northern colonies, and he 
experienced a similar treatment in his jour- 
ney to the southward. Great, in particular , 
was the joy on his arrival in South Carolina^ 



LEE. 2B7 

where* his presence was seasonable and abso- 
lutely necessary, as sir Henry Clinton was ac* 
til ally preparing for an invasion of that pro- 
vince, He soon diffused an ardor amongst the 
military, attended with the mostsalntary con- 
sequences, and his diligence and activity at 
Charleston, previous to the attack on Sulli- 
van's island, which happened on the 28th June 
1776, contributed in an eminent degree to the 
signal success which was there obtained by the 
American arms. 

In October by the direction of congress he 
repaired to the northern army. As he was 
marchiog from the Hudson through New Jer- 
sey, to form a junction with Washington in 
Pennsylvania, he quitted his camp in Morris 
county to reconnoitre. In this employment 
he went to the distance of three miles from 
the camp and entered a house for breakfast. — 
A British colonel became acquainted with his 
situation by intercepting a countryman, charg- 
ed with a letter from him, and was enabled to 
take him prisoner. He was instantly mounted 
on a horse without his cloak and hat, and car- 
ried safely to New York, , 

The Congress on hearing this news, wrote 
general Washington, desiring him to send a 
flag to general Howe, for the purpose of en- 
quiring in v/hat manner general Lee was treat- 
ed : and if he found that it was not agreeable 
to his rank, to send a remonstrance to gene- 
ral Howe, on the subject. This produced 
much inconvenience to both sides, and much 
calamity to individuals. A cartel had some 
time before been established for the exchange 
Y2 



2^8 LEE. 

of prisoners between the generals Howe atitl 
Washington, which had hitherto heen carried 
into execution as far as circumstances would 
admit of; but as Lee was particularly obnox- 
ious to government, it was said, that general 
Howe was tied down by his instructions from 
parting with him on any terms, now that for- 
tune had placed him in his power. General 
Washington, not having at this time, any pri- 
soner of equal rank, proposed to exchange six 
iield officers for him, the number being intend- 
ed to balance that disparity, or if this was not 
accepted, he required that he should be treat- 
ed suitably to his station, according to the 
practice of civilized nations, till an opportu- 
nity offered for a direct and equal exchange* 
^ro this, it was answered, that as Mr. Lee 
was a deserter from his majesty's service, he 
%as not to be considered as a prisoner of war; 
that he did not at all come within the conditions 
of the cartel and could receive no benefit from 
it. This brought on a fruitless discussion : in 
the mean time, however, general Lee was 
guarded with the vigilance of a state crimi- 
nal of the first consequence. This conduct 
not only suspended the operation of the cartel, 
but induced retaliation on the American side ; 
and colonel Campbell, who had hitherto been 
treated with great humanity by the people of 
Boston, Avas now thrown into a dungeon. 

These British officers, who were prisoners 
in the southern colonies, though not treated 
with equal rigor, were likewise abridged of 
their parole, it was, at the same time, declar- 
ed^ that their futi^re treatment should in every 



LEE. 2^9 

degree, be regulated by tbat, wbich general 
Lee experienced, and that their persons should 
be answerable, in the utmost extent, lor any 
violence, that was offered to him. Thus mat- 
ters continued, till the capture of the British 
army under general Burgoyne, at Saratoga, 
October 17 th, 1777. A change of conduct 
then took place towards Lee ; he was allowed 
his parole in New York, dined with many prin- 
cipal officers and families, and a short time 
after was exchanged. 

The first military scene in which general 
Lee was engaged after his exchange, was at 
the battle of Monmouth, which was also his 
last. Being detached by the commander in chief 
to make an attack upon the rear of the enemy, 
general Washington was pressing forward to 
support him on the twenty eighth day of June, 
when to his astonishment he found him re- 
treating without having made a single effort 
to maintain his ground. Meeting him in these 
circumstauees, without any previous notice of 
his plans, Washington addressed him in terms 
of some warmtli. Lee, being ordered to check 
the enemy, conducted himself with his usual 
bravery, and when forced from the ground, on 
which he had been placed, brouglit off his 
troops in good order. But his haughty tem- 
per could not brook the indignity, which he 
believed to have been offered him on the field 
af battle, and he addressed a letter to Wash- 
ington requiring reparation for the injury. 

In consequence of Lee's conduct on tbis oc- 
casion, he was put under arrest, and tried by 
% court martial at Brunswick, the 4th of July 



26a LEE. 

following. The charges exhibited against him 
were : 

1st. For disobedience of orders in not at- 
tacking the enemy on the 28th of June, agreea- 
ble to repeated instructions. 

2dly. For misbehaviour before the enemy 
on the same day, by making an unnecessary, 
disorderly and shameful retreat. 

Sdly. For disrespect to the commander in 
chief in two letters dated the 1st July, and the 
28th June. 

The court met by several adjournments, till 
the 12th of August, when they found tlie un- 
fortunate general guilty of the several charges 
adduced against him, and sentenced him to be 
suspended from any commission in the armies 
of the United States for twelve months; and 
this sentence was afterwards confirmed by 
congress. 

lie now retired disgusted and disappointed 
to his estate in lierkely county, Virginia, 
where he remained living in a stile peculiar to 
himself, in a house more like a barn than a 
palace. Glass windows and plaistering would 
liavebeen luxurious extravagance, and his fur- 
niture consisted of a very few necessary arti- 
cles ; however, he had got a few select valua- 
ble authors, and these enabled him to pass 
away his time in this obscurity. In the au- 
tumn of 1782, he began to be Aveary with the 
sameness of his situation; and experiencing 
his unfitness for the management of country 
business, he came to a determination to sell 
his estate, and procure a little settlement near 
some sea- port town, where he might learu 



LEE. 2^1 

what the workl was doing and enjoy the coii- 
rersation of mankind. 

He, therefore, left Berkley, and eame to 
Baltimore, where he stayed a week with some 
eld friends, and then took his leave for Phila- 
delphia, where he took lodgings at an inn, the 
sign of the Connestogoe waggon, in Market 
street. After being three or ibur days in the 
city, he was seized with a fever, which cut 
him off, after an illness of a few days, 2d Octo- 
ber, 7782. In his last struggle, he seemed to 
have lost his senses, and, it is said, that the 
last words he was heard to express were, 
" stand by me, my brave grenadiers." In his 
last illness he was attended by no one but Mr. 
Oswald, the printer, who had served as an 
officer under him. 

" The character of general Lee,'* says Dr. 
Gordon, *^ was full of absurdities and qualities 
of a most extraordinary nature. His under- 
standing was great, his memory capacious, 
and his fancy brilliant. His mind was stored 
with a variety of knowledge, which he collect- 
ed from books, conversation, and travels. He 
was a correct and elegant classical scholar, 
and both wrote and spoke his native language 
with propriety, force and beauty. From these 
circumstances he was, at times, a most agreea- 
ble and instructive companion. His temper 
was naturally sour and severe. He was sel- 
dom seen to laugh, and scarcely to smile. — 
I'he history of his life is little else than the 
history of disputes, quarrels and duels, in every^ 
part of the world. He was vindictive, avari- 
OrJous, immoral, impious and profane. 



^6^ L.EE. 

« In bis principles, he >vas not only an infidel, 
but he was very hostile to every attribute of 
the Deity. His morals Avere exceedingly de- 
bauched. His manners Avere rude, i)artly from 
nature, and partly from affectation. His appe- 
tite was so whimsical, as to what he ate and 
drank, that he was at all times, and in most 
places, a most troublesome guest. He had 
been bred to arms from his youth, and served 
as lieutenant colonel amongst the British, as 
colonel amongst the Portuguese, and after- 
wards, as aid-de-camp to his Polish majesty, 
with the rank of major general." 

<^ He was extremely useful to the Ameri- 
cans in the beginning of the revolution, by in- 
spiring them with military ideas, and a con- 
tempt for British discipline and valor. It is 
difficult to say, whether the active and useful 
part he took in the contest, arose from perso- 
nal resentment against Great Britain, or from 
a regard to the liberties of America. It is cer- 
tain he reprobated the French alliance and re- 
Xniblican form of government, after he retir- 
ed from the American service. He was in the 
field, brave in the highest degree ; and with all 
his faults and oddities, was beloved by his offi- 
cers and soldiers. He was devoid of prudence, 
and used to call it a rascally virtue. His par- 
tiality to dogs was too remarkable not to be 
mentioned in his character. Two or three of 
these animals followed him generally where- 
vep he went. When congress confirmed the 
sentence of the court-martial, suspending him 
for twelve months, lie pointed to liis dog and 
exclaimed, <^ O that I were that animal, that 



I.EE. .2U 

1 mi^ht not call man my brotlier." Two vir- 
tues he possessed in an eminent degree, viz. 
sincerity and veracity. He was never known 
to deceive or desert a friend ,* and he was a 
stranger to equivocation, even where his safety 
or character were at stake. 

LEE, RiCHAP.D, Hexry, president of con- 
gress, was a native of Virginia, and from his 
earliest youth devoted his talents to the ser- 
vice of his country. His public life was dis- 
tinguislied by some remarkable circumstances. 
He had the honor of originating the first re- 
sistance to British oppression in the time of 
tlie stamp act in 176. "7. He proposed in the 
Virginia house of burgesses in 1773 the for- 
mation of a committee of correspondence, 
whose object was to di^:sen)inate information, 
and to kindle the ilame of liberty throughout 
the continent. He was a member of the first 
congress, and it was he, who made and ably 
supported the declaration of independence Juno 
7, 177G. After the adoption of tlie articles of 
the confederation he was under the necessity 
of withdrawing from congress, as no represen- 
tative was allowed to continue in congress mere 
than three years in any term of six years ; but 
be was re-elected in 178i and continued till 
17S7. It was in November 1784, that he was 
chosen president of congress. When the con- 
stitution of the United States was submitted 
to the consideration of the public he contend- 
ed for the necessity of amendments previously 
to its adoption. After the government was 
organized, he was chosen one of the first sena- 



':2p.^ LEE. 

tors from Virginia in 1789. This station he 
held (ill his resignation in ±792, 

Mr, Lee died at his seat at Chantilly in 
Westmoreland county, Virginia, June 22, 
1794, in the sixty third year of his age. He 
supported through life the cliaraeter of a phi- 
losopher, a patriot, and a sage ; and he died, 
as he had lived. Messing his country. Tlic 
petition to the king, which was adopted by tlie 
congress in 1774, and was admirably well 
drawn up, has been generally attributed to 
his pen. 

LEE, Arthur, m. d. minister of the Unit- 
ed States to the court of Versailles, was a na- 
tive of Virginia and the brother of Richard 
Henry Lee. He was educated at the univer- 
sity of Edinburg, where he also pursued for 
some time the study of medicine. On his re- 
turn to this country he practised physic four 
or five years in Williamsburg. He then went 
to London and commenced the study of the law 
in the Temple. During his residence in Eng- 
land he kept his eye upon the measures of go- 
vernment, and rendered the most important 
services to his country by sending to America 
the earliest intelligence of the plans of the 
ministry. When the instructions to governor 
Bernard were sent over, he at the same time 
communicated information to the town of Bos- 
ton respecting the nature of them. He return- 
ed, it is believed, before 1769, for in that year 
he published the monitor's letters in vindica- 
tion of the colonial rights. In 1775 he was in 
London as the agent of Virginia, and he pre- 
sented in August the second petition of con^ 



LIViNfciSTON. M^ 

gress to the king. All Lis exertions were no^ 
directed to the good of his country. When 
Mr. Jefferson declined the appointment as a 
minister to France, Dr. Lee was appointed in 
}tis place, and he joined his colleagues, Dr. 
Franklin and Mr. Deane, at Paris in Decem- 
ber 1776. lie assisted in negociating the trea- 
ty v*ith France. In 1779 he and Mr. Adams, 
who had taken tlie place of Deane, were re- 
i-alled, and Dr. Franklin was appointed sole 
iiiinistcr to France. 

In 1784' he was appointed one of liic coni- 
jnissioners for holding a treaty Avith the In- 
dians of the six nations. He accordingly went 
to fort Schuyler and executed this trust in a 
manner which did him much honor. In Feb- 
ruary 1790 he was admitted a counsellor of the 
supreme court of the United States by a spe- 
cial order. After a sliort illness he died De- 
cember 14, 1792, at Urbanna in Middlesex 
county, yirginia. lie was a man of uniform 
patriotism, of a sound understanding, of great 
probity, of plain manners, and strong passions. 
During hh residence for a number of years ih 
England he was indefatigable in his exertions 
to promote the interests of his country. To 
the abilities of a statesman he united the ac- 
<juisitions of a scholar*, 

LIVINGSTON, AViiLtAM, ll. d. governor 
of New Jersey, descended from a family in 
New York, which emigrated from North Bri- 
tain, and which was distingnished for itsnuns- 
bers, opulence, talents, christian virtue, and 
attachment to liberty. He was born about 
th!& year 1723, a^id was graduated at Yale col- 
z 



266 LiVINCfSTON. 

lege in 1741. He afterwards pursued the iiiudy 
oi* the law. Possessing from tlie gift of Gctl 
a strong and comprehensive mind, a brilliant 
imagination, and a retentive memory, and im- 
proving witli unwearied diligence the literary 
advantages, which he enjoyed, he «oon rose to 
eminence in his profession. He early embrac- 
ed the cause of civil and religious liberty. 
When Great Britain advanced her arbitrary 
claims, he employed his pen in opposing them 
and in vindicating the rights of his country- 
men. After sustaining some important oiSces 
in New York he removed to New Jersey, and 
as a representative of this state was one of the 
principal members of the first congress in 1774. 
After the inhabitants of New Jersey had sent 
their governor, Mr. William Franklin, under 
a strong guard to Connecticut, and had form- 
ed a new constitution in July 1776, Mr. Li- 
vingston was elected the first chief magistrate, 
and such was his integrity and republican vir- 
tue, that he was annually reelected till his 
death. During the war he bent his exertions 
to so])port the independence of his country. By 
the keenness and severity of his political writ- 
ings he exasperated the British, who distiji- 
guished him as an object of their peculiar 
hatred. His pen had no inconsiderable in- 
fluence in exciting that indignation and zeal, 
which rendered the militia of New Jersey so 
remarkable for the alacrity, with which on 
any alarm they arrayed themselves against 
the common enemy. He was in 1787 a dele- 
gate to the grand convention, which formed 
the constitution of the United States. After 



MACWHORTER—MANLY. 26r 

liaving sustained the office of governor for four- 
teen years with great honor to himself and use- 
fulness to the state, he died at his seat near! 
Elizabethtovvn, July 25, 1790, aged sixty seveit* 
years. 

MACWHORTER, Alexander, d. d. mi- 
nister of Newark, New Jersey, was of Scotch 
extraction, and was born in the county of New* 
castle, Delaware, July 26, 1734. Being an 
active friend of his country in the time of the 
revolution, he was induced in t'le summer of 
1778, by the persuasion of his friend, general 
Knox, to become the chaplain of his brigade, 
which was then at White Plains. As the suf- 
ferings of Newark by the war had so much re- 
duced his salary, that it was. inadequate for 
his support, he obtained a dismission from the 
church in that town, in October 1779, and was 
settled in Charlotte, North Carolina. Here in- 
a short time he again experienced the calami- 
ties of war. By the army of Cornwallis he 
lost his library and almost every thing, that 
he possessed. In April 1781 he was reinstat- 
ed in hie fthin'ch at Newark, where he conti- 
nued Juilng ilto rpniaindor of liis lifc. Hc died 
July 20, 1807, aged seventy years. 

the United States, received a naval commis- 
sion from Washington, ponimandcr in chief of 
the American forces, October 2i, 1775. In- 
vested with tlie command of the schooner LeCy 
he kept the liazardous station of Massachu- 
setts bay during a most tempestuous season, 
and the captures, which he made, were of im- 
mense value at the moment. An ordnance 



^S MANf.Y. 

l)f ig, which fell into hisf hands, ^tipplied Ifife 
oontinental army v. lib Leavj pieces, mortars^ 
and working tools, of which it was very desti- 
tute, and in the crcnt led to the evacuation of 
Boston. His services were the theme of uni-. 
versal eulogy. Being raised to the eoinmanc! 
of the frigate Hancock of thirty two guns, his? 
capture of the Fox increased his higli reputa- 
tion for hravery and skill. But he was taken 
prisoner with his prize hy the Rainhow, of forty 
guns, July 8, 1777, ami sufftTcd a long and ri- 
gorous confinement on board that ship at Ha- 
lifax, and in Mill prison, precluded from fur- 
ther actual service till near the close of the 
war. In Septemher 17 S2, the Hague frigate 
was entrusted to his care. The cruise was pc- 
<uliarly unhappy. A few days after leaving, 
Martinique he was driven hy a British seventy 
four on a sand hank, at the back cf Gauda- 
laupe. Three ships of the line having joined 
tliis ship, came too williin point hiank shot, 
and with springs on their cables opened a most 
Ircniendous fire. Having supported the heavy 
cannonade for three days, on the fDnvth day 
the frigate was got nW, and holding tko con- 
tinental standard at the main top-gallant-mast, 
thirteen cuns wore firpd in ro^-owoii rfciiajice.. 
^u m» riJiiirn to Boston, a few months after- 
wards, he was arrosted to answer a variety of 
eiiargcs exhibited against him by one of his 
officers. The proceedings of the court were 
not altogether in approhation of his conduct. 
Memoirs of his life, whicli should vindicate 
his character, were promised, but they have 
never appeared. He died in Boston, Februav 



MARION. 26d 

ry 12, 1793, in the sixtieth year of his age, and 
>vas hurled with distinction. 

MARION, Francis, colonel in the regular 
service, and hrigadier in the militia oC South 
Carolina, was horn at his father's plantation 
in the vicinity of Georgetown in South Care- 
Una, in the year 1733. His ancestors were 
Huguenots, and fled from France to British 
America upon the revocation of the edict of 
Nantz. 

They settled on Cooper river near Charles- 
ton, from whence the father of general Ma- 
rion moved to the neighhorhood of George- 
town, where he resided during his life, occu- 
pied in the cultivation of liis plantation. 

He had five sons of whom Francis was the 
youngest ; who, with his hrothers, received 
only a common country education. As his 
three eldest sons arrived at the age of man- 
hood, tliey successively ohtalned a portion of 
their father's property, after which the old 
gentleman hecame emharrassed in his affairs, 
and was, in consequence, deprived of the means 
of extending similar aid to his two youngest 
sons. They had to depend upon their own ex- 
ertions for support and comfort. 

Francis, at the age of sixteen, entered on 
hoard a vessel hound to the West Indies, v/ith 
a determination to fit himself for a seafaring 
life. On his outward ]^assage the vessel was 
upset in a gale of wiiid, when the crew took 
to their hoat without water or piovisiops, it 
heing inipracticahle to save any of either. A 
dog ju!ttped into the hoat with the crew, and 
Twp.on his flesh eaten raw did the survivers of 
z2 



370 MARION. 

these unfortunate men subsist for seven ar 
eight days j in which period several died of 
hunger. 

Among llie few who escaped was young 
3Iarion. After reaching land, Marion relin- 
quished his original plan of life, and engaged 
in the labors of agriculture. In this occupa- 
tion he continued until 1759, when he became 
a soldier, and was appointed a lieutenant in a. 
company of volunteers, raised for an expedi- 
tion against the Cherokee Indians, commanded 
by captain William Moultrie, (since general 
Moultrie.) This expedition was conducted by 
governor Lyttleton : it was followed in a year 
or two afterwards by another invasion of the 
Cherokee country by colonel Grant, who served 
as major general in our war under sir Wil- 
liam Howe. 

In this last expedition lieutenant Marion 
also served, having been promoted to the rank 
of capta'n. As soon as the war broke out be- 
tween the colonies and mother country, Marion 
was called to the command of a company in 
the first corps raised by the state of South 
CarcIIua. He was soon afterwards promoted 
to a majority, and served in that rank under 
feolonel Moultrie in his intrepid defence offort 
Moultrie, against the combined attack of sir 
ilenry Clinton and sir H. Parker on the 2d of 
June, 1776, He was afterwards placed at tie 
head of a regiment as lieutenant colonel eom- 
mandan?, in which capacity he served during 
the sici^e of Charleston ; when having frac- 
tured his leg by some accident, he became in- 
capable of military du^y, and fortunately foj^ 



MARioisr: 271 

liis country, escaped the captivity to ^vhieh the 
garrison was, in the sequel, forced to submit. 

Upon the fall of Charleston, inanv of the 
leading men of the state of South Carolina 
sought personal safety with their adherents, 
in the adjoining states. Delighted at the pre- 
sent prospect, these faithful and brave citi- 
zens hastened back to their country to share 
in the perils and toils of war. 

Among them were Francis Marion and Tho- 
mas Sumpter 5 both colonels in the South Ca- 
rolina line, and both promoted by governor 
Rutledge to the rank of brigadier general in 
the militia of the state. Marion was about 
forty-e ght years of age, small in stature, 
hard in visage, healthy, abstemious and taci- 
turn. Enthusiastically wedded to the cause 
of liberty, he deeply deplored the doleful con- 
dition of his beloved countiy. The common 
weal was his sole object ; nothing selfish, no- 
thing mercenary, soiled his ermin character. 
Fertile in stratagem, he struck unpereeived ; 
and retiring to those hidden ritreats, selected 
by himself, in the morasses of Ptdee and Black 
Hiver, he placed his corps cot only out of the 
reach of his foe, but often out of the discovery 
of his friends. A rigid disciplirsasian, he re- 
duced to practice the justice of his heart ; and 
during the difficult course of warfare, througii 
which he passed, calumny itself never charg- 
ed him with violating the rights of person,, 
property, or of humanity. Never avoiding 
danger, he never rashly souglit it ; and acting 
for all around him as !)c did for himself, he 
lisked the lives of his troops only wliea it wass 



^»^ MARION. 

iiecessai7. Never elated >vitli prosferitj, ncir 
depressed by adversity, be preserved an ec]iia-» 
nimity Avhieli >yoii the adtuiration of his friend?, 
and exacted the respect of liis enemies. The 
country from Cambden to the sea-eoast be- 
tween the Pcdee and San tee rivers, was the 
theatre of his exertions, 

When Charleston fell into the enemy's hands, 
lieutenant colonel Marion abandoned his state, 
and took shelter in North Carolina. The mo- 
ment he recovered from the fracture of his leg, 
he engaged in preparing the means of annoy- 
ing the enemy then in the flood tide of pros- 
perity. With sixteen men only he crossed the^ 
Santee, and commenced that daring system of 
warfare which so much annoyed the British 
army. 

General Marion was in stature of the smal* 
lest size, thin as well as low. His visage was 
not pleasing, and his manners not captivating^ 
He was reserved and silent, entering into con- 
versation only when necessary,, and then with 
modesty and good sense. 

He possessed a strong mind, improved hy its 
own reflections and observations, not by books 
or travel. His dress was like his address,— 
plain, regarding comfort and decency only. In 
his meals he was abstemious, eating generally 
of one dish, and drinking water mostly. 

He was sedulous and constant in his atten- 
tion to the duties of his statson, to which every 
other consideration yielded. Even the charms 
of the fair, like the luxuries of the table and 
the allurements of wealth, seemed to be lost 
ijpon hira. 



MATHEWS— MERCER, 27. 



The procurement of subsistence for his tnenV 
tmd tlie contrivance of annoyance to his enc- 
my, engrossed his entire n^ind. He was vfrtu- 
oiis ail over ; never, even in manner, much less 
in reality, did he trench upon riglit. Beloved 
by his friends, and respected hy his enemies, 
be exhibited a luminous example of the bene- 
ijcial effects to be produced by an individual, 
who, with only small means at his command, 
possesses a virtuous heart, a strong head, and 
a mind devoted to the common good. After 
the war the general married, but had no issue. 
He died in February 1795, leaving behind him 
an indisputable title to the first rank among 
the patriots and soldiers of our revolution. 

MATHEWS, Thomas, was one af those 
who early embarked in the cause of his coun- 
try ill the revolutionary war, and continued a 
steady and determined supporter of American 
rights in every stage of the long, doiibiful, and 
arduous contest. He was afterwards speaker 
of the house of delegates of Virginia. In pub- 
lie life general Mathews was useful and intel- 
ligent, in privite life he was kind, affectionate, 
soci^^^'^' polite and benevolent. He died at 
iXorfolk, Yirginia, on the twentieth of April, 
i812. General Mathesvs was respected and 
esteemed by all who had the pleasure of his 
acquaintance. 

MERCER, Hugh, a brigadier general in 
t\\G late war, was a native of Bcotland, and af- 
ter his arrival in America, he served with 
Washington in the war agamst the French and 
Indians, wliich terminated in 17C3, and was 
greatly esteemed by him. He csigaged zeH- 



:27i JVIERCER. 

lously in support of the liberties of his adopt - 
ed country. In the battle near Princeton, Ja- 
nuary 3, 1777, he commanded the van of the 
Americans, composed principally of southern 
militia, and while gallantly exerting himself 
to rally them, received tliree wounds from a 
bayonet, of which he died, January nineteenth. 
It is said, that he was stabbed after he had 
surrendered. He was a valuable officer and 
his character in private life was amiable. — 
Provision was made by congress in 1793, for 
the education of his youngest son, Hugh Mer- 
cer. 

The following account of the battle of 
Princeton, is copied from Marshall's life of 
Washington : 

<* About sunrise on the third of January 1777,. 
the British fell in with the van of the Ameri- 
cans, commanded by general Mtrccr, and a 
yery sharp action ensued, wliich however was 
not of long duration. The militia of which 
the aiUtmceil party was prlzK%a|]y composed, 
soon gave way, and the few regulars attached 
to them were not strong enough to maintain 
their ground. General Mercer ^Yae niT.v.<.^]jy 
wounded while gallantly exerting himself to 
rally his broken troops, and the van was en- 
tirely routed. But the fortune of the day was 
soon changed. The main body of the army 
led by general Washington in person followed 
close in the rear, and attacked the enemy with 
great spirit. Persuaded that defeat would ir- 
retrievably ruiii tlie affairs of America, he ad- 
vanced in the very front of danger, and expos- 
ed himself to the hottest fuo of the enemy. 



MIFFLIN. ^7$ 

lie tvas so well supported by the same troops 
>vho had, a few days before, saved their coun- 
try at Trenton, tliat the British in turn were 
compelled to give way. Their line was bro- 
ken, and the two regiments separated rom 
each other. Colonel Mawliood who command- 
ed tliat in front, forced his way through a part 
of the American troops, and reached Maiden- 
head. The fifty-fifth regiment, which was in 
the rear, retreated, by the way of Hillsbo- 
rough, to Brunswick. The vicinity of the Bri- 
tish forces at Maidenhead secured colonel 
Mawhocd from being pursued, and general 
Washington pressed forward to Princeton. 
The regiment remaining in that place saved 
I itself without having sustained much loss, by 
j a precipitate retreat to Brunswick. 
I ** In tliis action more than one hundred of the 
I enemy were killed on the spot, and near three 
I hundred were taken prisoners. The loss of 
( the Americans in killed was somewhat less,, 
1 but in this number was included general Mer- 
\ cer, a very valuable oificcr from Virginia, 
who had served with tlie commander in chief 
in the war against tlie FrencJi and Indians 
which terminated in 1763, and was greatly es- 
teemed by him. Colonels Haslett and Potter, 
i two brave and excellent officers from Dela- 
>vare and Pennsylvania; captain ISeal of the 
artillery, captain Fleming, who on that day 
commanded the seventh Virginia regiment, 
and five other valuable officers were also 
iamong the slain." 

MIFFLIN, Thomas, a major general in 
tlie American army, and governor of Pennsyl- 



^76 MIFFLIN. 

Yania, T>'as bora about the year 1744, of jift* 
rents who were qiiakers, and his education 
was entrusted to the care of the reverend Dr. 
Smith, with whom he was connected in habits 
of cordial intimacy and friendsliip for more 
than forty years. Active and zealous, he en- 
gaged early in opposition to the measures of 
the British parliament. He was a member of 
the first' congress in 1774. He took arms, and 
was among the first ofiicers commissioned on 
the organization of the continental army, be- 
ing appointed quarter master general in Au- 
gust 1765. For this offence he was read out 
of the society of quakcrs. In 1777 he was ve- 
ry useful in animating the militia, and enkind- 
ling the spirit, which seemed to have been 
damped. His sanguine disposition and his ac- 
tivity rendered him insensible to the value of 
that coolness aud caution, which wei-e essen- 
tial to the presei^vation of such an army, as 
was then under the command of general 
Washington. In 17S7 he was a member of the 
convention, which framed the constitution of 
tlie United States, and his name is affixed to 
that instrument. In October 1788 he slicceed- 
ed Franklin as president of the supreme exe- 
cutive council of Pennsylvania, in which sta- 
tion he continued till October 1790. In Sep- 
tember a constitution for tiiis state was form- 
ed by a convention, in wliich he presided, and 
he was chosen the first goveiMior. In 1794, 
during the insurrection in Pennsylvania, lie em- 
ployed, to the advantage of his country, the 
extraordinary powers of elocution, with whicli 
.ite was endowed. The imperfection of tlie mi- 



iVIOlSTGOMERY. 277 

litia laws was compensated by his eloquence. 
He made a circuit through the lower counties, 
and at different places publicly addressed the 
militia on the crisis in the affairs of their 
country, and through his animating exhorta* 
tions the state furnished the quota required. 
He was succeeded in the office of governor by 
Mr. M'Kean at the close of the year 1799, 
and he died at Lancaster, January 20, 1800, 
m the fifty seventh year of his age. He was 
an active and zealous patriot, who had devot- 
ed much of his life to the public service. 

MONTGOMERY, Richard, a major ge- 
neral in the army of the United States, was 
born in the north of Ireland in the year 1737. 
He possessed an excellent genius, which was 
matured by a fine education. Entering the 
army of Great Britain, he successfully fought 
her battles with Wolfe, at Quebec, in 7759, 
and on the very spot, v/here he was doomed to 
fall, when fighting against her, under the ban- 
ners of freedom. After his leturn to England 
he quitted his regiment in 1772, though in a 
fair way to preferment. He had imbibed an 
attachment to America, viewing it as the ris- 
ipg seat of arts and freedom. After his arri- 
val in this country, he purchased an estate in 
New York, about a hundred miles from the 
city, and married a daughter of judge Livings- 
ton. He now considered himself as an Ame- 
rican. When the struggle with Great Britain 
commenced, as he was known to have an ar- 
lient attachment to liberty, and had expressed 
his readiness to draw his sword on the side of 
the colonies, the command of the continental 
A a 



278 MONTGOMERY. 

forces in the northern department was entrust* 
ed to him and general Schuyler, in the fall or 
1775. By the indisposition of Schuyler the 
chief command devolved upon him in Octoher. 
He reduced fort Chamblee, and on the third 
of November captured St. Johns. On the 
twelfth he took Montreal. In December he 
joined colonel Arnold and marched to Quebec. 
The city was beseiged, and on the last day of 
the year, it was determined to make an assault. 
The several divisions were accordingly put in 
motion in the midst of a lieavy fall of snow, 
which concealed them from the enemy. Mont- 
gomery advanced at the head of the New York 
troops along the St. Lawrence, and having 
assisted with his own hands in pulling up the 
pickets, which obstructed his approach to one 
of the barriers, that he was determined to 
force, he was pushing forwards, when one of 
the guns of the battery was discharged, and he 
was killed with his two aids. This was the 
only gun that was fired ; for the enemy had 
been struck with consternation, and all but 
one or two had fled. But this event probably 
prevented the capture of Quebec. When he 
fell, Montgomery was in a narrow passage, 
and his body rolled upon the ice, which form- 
ed by the side of the river. After it was 
found the next morning among the slain, it 
was buried by a few soldiers without any marks 
of distinction. He was thirty eighty years of 
age. He was a man of great military talents, 
whose measures were taken with judgment 
and (executed with vigor. Willi undisciplined 
troops, who were jealous of him in the extreme. 



MONTGOMERY. 27lf 

lie yet iii spired them with his own enthusiasm. 
He shared with them in all their hardships, 
and thus prevented their complaints. His in- 
dustry could not he wearied, nor his vigilance 
imposed upon, nor his courage intimidated.^^ 
Above the pride oi* opinion, when a measure 
was adopted by the majority, though contrary 
to his own judgment, he gave it his full sup- 
port. 

Tiie following particulars of the death of the 
brave and heroic Montgomery, which we se« 
lect from ** the campaign against Quehec, in 
the year 1775, by John Joseph Henry, esquire, 
late president of tUo second judicial district of 
Pennsylvania," will be found highly interest- 
ing : 

** General Montgomery had marched at the 
l)recise time stipulated, and had arrived at his 
destined place of attack, nearly about the time 
we attacked the first barrier. He w as not one 
that would loiter. Colonel Campbell, of the 
New York troops, a large, good looking 
man, who was second in command of that 
party, and was deemed a veteran, accompa- 
nied the army to the assault ; his station was 
rearward, general Montgomery, with his aids, 
were at the poi'U of the column. - 

" It is impossible to give you a fair and 
complete idea, of the nature and situation, of 
the place solely with the pen — the pencil is 
required. As by the special permission of go- 
vernment, obtained by the good oiiices of cap- 
tain Prentis, in the summer following ; B yd, 
a few others and myself, reviewed t e » a .*ses 
df our disaster ^ it is therefore m my pow^r 



330 MONTGOMERY. 

so far as my abilities will permit, to give yoiiV 
a tolerable notion of the spot. Cape Diamond, 
nearly resembles the great jutting rock, >vliicli 
is in the narrows at Hunter's fall, on the Sus- 
quehanna. The rock, at the latter place, 
shoots out as steeply as that at Quebec, but 
hy no mean, forms so great an angle, on the 
margin of the river; but is more craggy. — 
There is a stronger and more obvious differ- 
ence in the comparison. When you surmount 
the hill at St. Charles, or the St. Lawrence 
side, which, to the eye are equally high and 
steep, you find yourself on Abraham's Plains, 

and upon nn pvteneivc champaign coimtry. 

The birds-eye ^\e\v around Quebec, bears a 
striking conformity to the scites of Northum- 
berland and Pittsburg, in Pennsylvania ; but 
the former is on a more gigantic scale, and 
each of the latter w^ant the steepness and crag- 
gyness of the back ground, and a depth of 
livers. This detail, is to instruct you in the 
geographical situation of Quebec, and for the 
sole purpose of explaining the manner of gene- 
ral Montgomery's death, and the reasons of 
our failure. From Wolf's cove, there is a 
good beach, down to, and around " "Cape Dia- 
mond." The bulwarks of the city, came to 
the edge of the hill, above that place. Thence 
down the side of the precipice, slantingly to 
the brink of the river, there was a stockade of 
strong posts, fifteen or twenty feet high, knit 
together by a stout railing, at bottom and top 
with pins. This was no mean defence, an<i 
was at the distance of one hundred yards from 
the point of the rock. Within this palisade, 



MONTGOMERY. 231 

nnd at a few yards from the very point itself, 
there was a like palisade, though it did not run 
so high up the hill. Again, within Cape Dia- 
mond, and probably at a distance of fifty yards, 
there stood a block-house, which seemed to 
take up the space, between the foot of the hill, 
and the precipitous bank of the river, leaving 
a cart way, or passage on each side of it. — 
When heights and distances are spoken of, 
you must recollect, that the description of 
Cape Diamond and its vicinity, is merely that 
of the eye, made, as it were, running, under 
the inspection of an officer. The review of 
the ground, our army had acted upon, was ac- 
corded us, as a particular favor. Even to 
have stepped the spaces in a formal manner, 
would have been dishonot-able, if not a species 
of treason. A block-house, if well construct- 
ed, is an admirable method of defence, which 
in the process of the war, to our cost, was ful- 
ly experienced. In the instance now before 
us, (though the house was not built upon the 
most approved principles,) yet it was a formi- 
dable object. It was a square of perhaps forty 
or fifty feet. The large logs neatly squared, 
were tightly bound together, by dove-tail work. 
If not much mistaken, the lower story contain- 
ed loop-holes for musketry, so narrow, that 
those within, could not bo harmed from with- 
out. The upper story, had four or more port 
holes, for cannon of a large calibre. These 
guns were charged with grape or cannistep 
shot, and were pointed with exactness towards 
the avenue, at Cape Diamond. Tl^e hero 
Montgomery came. The drowsy or drunken 
Aa2 



282 MONTGOMERY. 

guard, did not hear the sawing of the posts of 
the first palisade. Here, if not yevj erro- 
neous, four posts were saw ed and thrown aside, 
so as to admit four men abreast. The cohimn 
entered with a manly fortitude. Montgome- 
ry, accompanied by his aids, M*Pherson and 
Cheesenian, advanced in front. Arriving at 
the second palisade, the general, with his oivu 
liandSf sawed down two of the pickets, in such 
a manner, as to admit two men abreast.-— 
rhcsc sawed pickets, were close under the 
hill, and but a few yards from the very point 
of the rock, out of the view and tire of the 
enemy, from the hlock-house. Until our 
troops advanced to the point, no harm could 
ensue, hut by stones thrown from above. — 
Even now, there had been but an imperfect 
discovery of the advancing of an enemy, and 
that only by the intoxicated guard. The guard 
fled, the general advanced a few paces. A 
drunken sailor returned to his gun, swearing 
he would not forsake it while undischarged. — 
This fact is related from the testimony of the 
guard on the morning of our capture, some of 
those sailors being our guard. Applying the 
match, this single discharge, deprived us of 
our excellent commander. 

** Examining the spot, the officer who es- 
corted us, professing to he one of those, who 
first came to the place, after the death of the 
general, showed the position in which the ge- 
neral's body was found. It lay two paces from 
the brink of the river, on the back, the arms 
extended; Cheeseman lay on the left, and 
M*Pherson on the right, in a triangular posi- 



MOKTG OMERY. 283 

tion. Two other brave men lay near them.— 
The ground above described, was visited by an 
inquisitive eye, so that you may rely with 
some implicitness, on the truth of the picture. 
As all danger from without had vanished, the 
government had not only permitted the muti- 
lated palisades to remain, without renewing 
the enclosure, but the very sticks, sawed by 
the hand of our commander, still lay, strewed 
about the spot. 

•• Colonel Campbell, appalled by the death of 
the general, retreated a little way from Cape 
Diamond, out of the reach of the cannon of 
the block-house, and pretendedly called a coun- 
cil of officers, who, it was said, justified his 
receding from the attack. If riisliing on, as 
military duty required, and a brave man would 
have done, the block house might have been 
occupied by a small number, and was unas- 
sailable from without, but by cannon. From 
the block-house to the centre of the lower 
town, where we were, there was no obstacle 
to impede a force so powerful, as that under 
colonel Campbell. 

** Cowardice, or a w ant of good will towards 
our cause, left us to our miserable fate. A 
jimction, though we might not conquer the 
fortress, would enable us to make an honora- 
ble retreat, though with the loss of many va- 
luable lives. Campbell retreated, leaving the 
bodies of the general, M*Pherson and Cheese- 
man, to be devoured by the dogs. The disgust 
caused among us, as to Campbell, was so great 
as to create the unchristian wish, that he 
might be hanged. In that desultory period. 



284 MONTGOMERY 

though he was tried, he was acquitted ; that 
was also the ease of colonel Enos, who desert- 
ed us on the Kennebec. 

" It was on this day that my heart was ready 
to burst with grief, at viewing the funeral of 
our beloved general. Carleton had, in our for- 
mer wars with the French, been the friend 
and fellow soldier of Montgomery. Though 
political opinion, perhaps ambition or interest, 
had thrown tliese worthies, on different sides 
of the great question, yet the former, could 
not but honor the remains of his quondam 
friend. About noon, the procession passed our 
quarters. It was most solemn. The coffin co- 
vered with a pall, surmounted by transverse 
swords — was borne by men. The regular 
troops, particularly that fine body of men, 
the seventh regiment, with reversed arms, 
and scarfs on the left elbow, accompanied the 
corpse to the grave. The funerals of the 
other officers, both friends and enemies, were 
performed this day. From many of us, it 
drew tears of affection for the defunct, and 
speaking for myself, tears of greeting and 
thankfulness, towards Carleton. The soldiery 
and inhabitants, appeared affected by the loss 
of this invaluable man, though he was their 
enemy. If sueh men as Washington, Carle- 
ton and Montgomery, had had the entire di- 
rection oj' the adverse war, the contention, in 
the event, might have happily terminated to 
the advantage of both sections of the nation. 
M*Pherson, Cheeseman, Hendricks, Humph^ 
reys, were all dignified by the manner of bu- 
dal. 



MONTGOMERY. 285 

** On the same, dr the following day, we were 
oompelled, (if we would look,) to a more dis- 
gu^jting and torturing siglit. Many earioies, 
repeatedly one after the other, passed oMr 
dwelling loaded with the dead, whether of tke 
assailants or of the garrison, to a place, em- 
phatically called the " dead house." Here the 
bodies were heaped in monstrous piles. Tht; 
horror of the sight, to us southern men, prin- 
cipally consisted in seeing our companions 
borne to interment, uncoffined, and in the 
very clothes they had worn in battle; tlicir 
limbs distorted in various directions, such as 
would ensue in the moment of death. Many 
of our friends and acquaintances were appa- 
rent. Poor Nelson lay on the top of halloa 
dozen other bodies; his arms extended beyond 
his head, as if in the act of prayer, and on^ 
knee crooked and raised, seemingly, when he 
last gasped in the agonies of death. Curse orj 
these civil Avars which extinguish the sociabi- 
lities of mankind, and annihilate the strength 
of nations. A flood of tears was consequent. 
Though Montgomery was beloved, because of 
his manliness of soul, heroic bravery and sua- 
vity of manners; Hendricks and Humphreys, 
for the same admirable qualities, and especial- 
ly for the endurances v/e underwent in con- 
junction, which enforced many a tear: still 
my unhappy and lost brethren, though in 
humble station, with whom that dreadful wild 
was penetrated, and from whom came many 
attentions towards me, forced melancholy sen- 
sations. From what is said relative to the 
*'f Bead-house," yon might conclude that ge-^ 



^286 MONTGOMERY. 

iierul Curleton was inhumane or liard-hcart- 
ed. No such thing. In this northern latitude, 
at this season of the year, according to my 
feelings, (we had no thermometer,) the wea- 
ther was so cold, as usually to he many de- 
s^rees below o. A wound, if mortal, or even 
otherwise, casts the party wounded into the 
snow; if death should follow, it throws the 
sufferer into various attitudes, which are as* 
Bumed in the extreme pain accompanying 
death. The moment death takes place, tlie 
frost fixes the limbs in whatever situation 
tliey may then ha])pen to be, and which cau- 
not be reduced to decent order, until they are 
thawed." 

The following portrait of general Montgo- 
mery, we copy from Ramsay's history of the 
American revolution : 

^* Few men have ever fallen in battle, so 
much regretted by both sides, as general 
Montgomery. His many amiable qualities 
*iad procured him an uncommon share of pri- 
vate affection, and his great abilities an equal 
propoi*tion of public esteem. Being a sincere 
lover of liberty, he had engaged in the Ame- 
rican cause from principle, and quitted the en- 
joyment of an easy fortune, and the highest 
domestic felicity, to take an active share in 
the fatigues and dangers of a war, instituted 
for the defence of the community of which 
he was an adopted member. His well known 
character was almost equally esteemed by the 
friends and foes of the side which he had es- 
poused. In America lie was celebrated as a 
inartyr to the liberties of mankind; in Great 



MONTGOMERY. 2Sr 

Britain as a misguided good man, sacrificing 
to what he supposed to be the rights of his 
country. His name Avas mentioned in parlia- 
ment with singular respect. Some of the 
most powerful speakers in that illustrious as- 
sembly, displayed tlieir eloquence in sounding 
his praise and lamenting his fate. Those in 
particular who had been his fellow soldiers in 
the late war, expatiated on his many virtues. 
The minister himself acknowledged his worth, 
while he reprobated the cause for which he 
fell. He concluded an involuntary panegyric, 
by saying, " Curse on his virtues, they have 
undone his country." 

To express the high sense entertained by 
his country, of his services, congress directed 
a momument of white marble, with the fol- 
lowing inscription on it, which was executed 
by Mr. Cassier's at Paris, and placed in front 
of St. Paul's church, New York. 

THIS MONUMENT 

Was erected by order of 
Congress, 25th January, 1776, 

To transmit to posterity 

A grateful remembrance of the 

Patriotism, conduct, enterprize, and 

Perseverance 

or MAJOR GENERAX 

RICHARD MONTGOMERY; 

Who, after a series of success 

Amidst the most discouraging 

Difficulties, fell in the attack 

On Quebec 

31st December, 1775, 

Aged S9 years. 



288 MORGAjS". 

MORGAN, Baniel, brigadier general, of* 
the Virginia line on continental establishment, 
deservoilly ranked among the best and most ef- 
ficient soldiers of the United States, was born 
in Nov Jersey; from >vhence he emigrated to 
Virginia in 1755. Like many of the greatest 
men of every country, his native condition was 
indigent, so much so as to render it necessary 
for young Morgan to enter into service as a 
laborer for daily wages. 

Soon after his arrival in Virginia he obtain- 
ed employment from farmer Roberts, near 
Charleston, in the county of Jefferson, (then 
Berkley.) Afterwards he w as engaged to drive 
a wagon for John Ashley, overseer for Na- 
thaniel Burrel, Esq. at his estate on the She- 
nandoah river, in Frederic county, near Ber- 
ry's ferry. When he left Ashley, Morgan had, 
by his care and industry, amassed enough cash 
to purchase a wagon and team ; which he did, 
and soon afterwards entered with it into the 
employment of Mr. John Ballantine, at his es- 
tablishment on Occoquan creek. At the ex- 
piration of his year Braddock's expedition was 
spoken of as an event certainly to take place 
in the course of the ensuing summer. Morgan 
reserved himself, wagon, &c. for this expedi- 
tion; when he joined the army, but in what 
character is not known. 

He received, during his military service, a 
severe wound in the face ; the scar of which 
was through life very visible. We do not un- 
derstand in what affair this happened ; biit it 
was from a rifle ov musket, aimed, as he said 
himself, by an Indian. The bullet entered the 



■'MOHGAN. SSib^ 

back of his neck, and passed through his left 
cheek, knocking out all his hind teeth on th'At 
side. 

In the course of the campaign he was un- 
justly punished, hy being brought to the hai- 
hert, under a charge of contumely to a British 
officer, where he received five hundred lashes. 
The ofiiccr being afterwards convinced of his 
cruel error, made every amend in Iiis power 
to t]ie maltreated Morgan ; who, satisfied with 
the contrition evinced by the officer, magnani-^ 

^mously forgave him. Nor did tlie recollection 
of this personal outrage operate in the least to 
the prejudice of the British officers in the late 
war. Many of them, as is well known, fell 
into the hands of Morgan, and invariably re 
eeived from him compassionate and kind treat 
ment. 
The general would often, among liis intimate 

friends, recur to this circumstance ; the nar 
rative whereof he generally concluded, by say 
ing, in a jocular way, that " King George was 
indebted to him one lash yet ; for the drum- 
mer miscounted one, and he knew well when 
he did it; so that he only received four hun- 
dred and ninety nine, when he promised him 
five hundred.'* 

In this period of life, from twenty to thirty 
years of age, Morgan was extremely dissipat- 
ed ; and spent much of his time in vulgar tip- 
pling and gambling houses. However, al- 
though habituated to the free use of ardent 
spirits, fie was never considered as a drunkard ; 
and though enamored with cards and dice, Itc 
was a cautioiis piaver, increasing rather thar. 

Bb 



^m MORGAX. 

diminishing liis cash fund. This course ©I 
life subjected liim to many aftVays and fjirioiifi 
pugilistic combats, in which lie never failed to 
take a leading part. The theatre of these ex- 
ploits was Berrystown, a small village in the 
county of Frederic, commonly called Battle- 
town ; named, as is gencriilly supposed, from 
the fierce combats fought on its soil under the 
banners of Morgan. 

Whatever may have been the cause, it is 
certain that he spent much of his leisure at 
this place ; that he fought there many severe 
combats ; and that though often vanquished he 
never was known to omit seizing the first op- 
portunity which presented, after return of 
strength, of taking another bout with his con- 
queror ; and this he repeated from .time to 
time, until at length victory declared in his 
favor. 

Such was the innate invincibility of young 
Morgan — which never forsook him, when, by 
the strength of his unimproved genius, and the 
propitiousness of fortune, he mounted on an 
extended theatre of action ; as replete with 
difficulty as to him with glory. AVhen he re- 
rcturned from Braddock's expedition he reas- 
sumed his former employment, and drove his 
own wagon. In a few years his previous say- 
ings, added to the little he earned in the cam- 
paign, enabled him to purchase a small tract 
of land from a Mr. Blackburn, in the county 
of Frederic; on which, during our war, lie 
erected a handsome mansion house^ with suita- 
ble accompanying improvements, and called it 
Saratoga, in commemoration of the signal 



MORGAlSr. 29i 

Tietory obtained by general Gates, to >vhieh 
he liad himself prjneipally contributed. On 
this farm Morgan, h iving Uiarricd shortly 
after his return from his military tour, resided 
when the revolutionary war broke out. 

The smattering of experience gained during 
Braddock's expedition, pointed him out to the 
Jeading men of Frederic, as qualified to eom- 
inand the first company of riflemen, raised in 
that county in defence of our country. He 
speedily completed his con>pany, as all the 
finest youth of Frederic flocked to him ; among 
whom was lieutenant, afterwards colonel Heth, 
and many others, who in the course of the war 
became approved officers. With this compa- 
ny Morgan hastened to the American army en- 
camped before Boston, in 1774, and soon af- 
terwards was detached by the commander in 
chief under Arnold, in his memorable expedi- 
tion against Qucfiee. 

The bold and disastrous assault, planned and 
executed by the celebrated Montgomery against 
that city, gave opportunity for the display of 
heroism to individuals, and furnished cause of 
deep regret to the nation by the loss of the 
much beloved Montgomery. No officer more 
distinguished himself than did captain Moi'gan. 
Arnold commanded the column to which Mor- 
gan was attached, who became disabled by a 
ball through his leg early in the action, and 
was carried off to a place of safety. 

Our troops having lost tlieir leader, each 
corps pressed forward as the example of its 
officer invited. Morgan took the lead,, and 
Receded, by sergeant, afterwards lieutenajat 



^92 MOIKiAy. 

colonel, Porterfield, who unfortunately fell at 
the battle of Cambden, when his life might 
have saved an army, mounted the first bav- 
rkr ', and rushing forward, passed the second 
barrier, lieutenant Heth and serjeant Porter- 
ileid only before him. In this point of the as- 
sault a group of noble spirits united in sur- 
mounting the obstacles opposed to our pro- 
gress ; among them was Greene and Thayer 
of Rhode Island, Hendricks of Pennsylvania^, 
and Humphreys of Yirginia f the two last of 
whom were killed* 

Yain was this blaze of glory. Montgome- 
ry's fall stopped the further advance of the 
principal column of attack ; and the seve- 
rity of the raging storm, the obstacles of na- 
ture and of art in our way, and the combined 
attack of the enemy's force, no longer divided 
by attention to the column of Montgomery, 
overpowered all resistance. Morgan (with 
most of the corps of Arnold) was taken ; and 
as heretofore mentioned, experienced a diffe- 
rent treatment from sir Guy Carleton than 
was at that period customary for British offi- 
cers to dispense to American prisoners. The 
kindness of Carleton, from motives of policy, 
applied more forcibly to the privates than to 
our officers, and produced a durable impres- 
sion. 

"While Morgan was in confinement at Que- 
bec the following anecdote, told by himself, 
manifests the high opinion entertained by the 
enemy of his military talents from his conduct 
in this assault. He was visited occasionally by 
a BritisU officer, to him uuknown^ but from 



MORGAN. 29S 

his uniform, lie appeared to belong to the navy? 
and to be an officer of distinction. During one 
af his visits, after eonveising upon many to- 
pics, ** he asked Morgan if he did not begin to 
be convinced that the resistance of America 
was visionary ? and he endeavored to impress 
him with the disastrous consequences which 
must infallibly ensue, if the idle attempt was 
persevered in, and very kindly, exhorted him 
to renounce the ill advised undertaking. He 
declared^ with seeming sincerity and candor, 
his admiration of Morgan's spirit and enter- 
prise, which he said was worthy of a better 
cause; and told him, if he would agree to 
Avithdraw from the American and join the 
British standard^ he Avas authorized to pro- 
mise him the commission, rank and emolu- 
ments of a colonel in the royal army." Mor- 
gan rejected the proposal Avith disdain ; and 
concluded his reply by observing, <« That he 
hoped he Avould never again insult him in his 
distressed and unfortunate situation by mak- 
ing him offers Avhich plainly implied that he 
thougut him a ra^jcal." The officer Avithdrew, 
and the offer Avas never repeated. 

As soon as our prisoners Avcre exchanged, 
Morgan hastened to the army ; and by the re- 
commendations of general Washington, was ap- 
pointed to the command of a regiment. In this 
station he acted under the commander in chief 
in 1777, Avhen a select rifle corps Avas formed 
out of the others in the army, and committed 
to his direction, seconded ]>y lieutenant colonel, 
Richard Butler of Pennsylvania, and major 
Morris of New Jersey, two officers of high ta^ 
EbS 



ji9^ MOKGAN." 



.ill 



lents, and specially qualiiietl for the enterpris- 
ing service to which they were assigned. Mor- 
gan and his riflemen were singularly useful to 
Washington ; but our loss of Ticonderoga, and 
the impetuous advance of Burgoyne, proclaim- 
ed so loudly the gloomy condition of our affairs 
in the north, that the general who thought only 
of the public good, deprived himself of Morgan 
and sent him to Gates, where he was persuad- 
ed his services were most required. 

The splendid part he acted on that occasion, 
and how much his exertions contributed to the 
glorious triumph achieved afterwards, are cir- 
cumstances generally known, notwithstanding 
his name is not mentioned by general Gates in 
his dispatches. , 

After tike return of Morgan to the main army j^ 
he continued actively employed by the comman- 
der in chief, and never failed to promote the 
good of the service by his sagacity, his vigi- 
lance, and his perseverance. In 1780 his health 
became much impaired, and he obtained leave 
of absence, when he returned to his family in 
Frederic, where he continued until after the 
fall of Charleston. 

"When general Gates was called to the chief 
command in the south, he visited Morgan, and 
urged the colonel to accompany him. Mc^rgan 
did not conceal his dissatisfaction at the treat- 
ment he had heretofore received, and proudly 
spoke of the important aid he had rendered to 
Mm, and the ungrateful return he had expe- 
rienced. Being some few weeks afterwards 
promoted by congress to the rank of brigadier 
general by brevet; with a view of detaching , 



MORGAN. ^95 

him to the south, he repaired to the army of 
Crates, but did not reach Carolina in time to 
take a part in the battle of Cambden. He 
joined Gates at Hillsborough, and was sent 
under Smallwood to Salisbury with all the 
force fitted for service. Gates, as soon as he 
had prepared the residue of his army, follow- 
ed, and gave to Morgan, in his arrangements 
for the field, the command of the light troopso 

Greene now arrived as the successor of Gates, 
which was follov/ed by that distribution of his 
force which led to the battle of the Cowpens ; 
the influence of which was felt in every subse- 
quent step of the war in the Carolinas. 

The following account of the battle of the 
Cowpens we copy from <* Lee's Memoirs :" 

<^ Lieutenant colonel Tarleton was detached 
by lord Cornwallis in pursuit of Morgan, and 
he lost no time in approaching his enemy. 
Morgan was duly apprized of his advance* 
Tarleton passed through the ground on which 
Morgan had been encamped, a few hours after 
tlie latter had abandoned it ; and, leaving his 
baggage under a guard with orders to follow 
with convenient expedition, he pressed Torward 
throughout the night in pursuit of the retiring 
foe. After a severe march through a rugged 
country, he came in sight of his enemy about 
eight o'clock in the morning (January 17, 
1781 ;) and having taken two of our videts, he 
learned that Morgan had halted at the Cow- 
pens, not far in front, and some distance from 
the Broad river. Presuming that Morgan 
"would not risk action unless driven to it, 
TadetoD determined, fatigued as his troops 



^fi' MORGAN. 

"were, instantly to advance on his eneir*y, les^ 
he might throw his corps safe over the Broad 
Fiver. 

" Morgan having heen accustomed to iight and 
to conquer, did not relish the eager and inter- 
rupting pursuit of liis adversary ; and sat down 
at tlie Cowpens to give rest and refreshment to 
his harrassed troops, ^vith a resolution no lon- 
ger to avoid action, should his enemy persist ia 
pressing it. Being apprised at the dawn of day 
of Tarleton's advance, he instantly prepared for 
battle. This decision grew out of irritation of 
temper, which appears to have overruled the 
suggestions of his sound and discriminating, 
judgment. The ground about the Cowpens is 
covered with open wood, admitting tlie opera- 
tian of cavalry with facility, in which the ene- 
my trebled Morgan, His flanks had no rest- 
ing place, but were; exposed to be readily turn- 
ed ; and the Broad river ran parallel to his 
rear, forbidding the hope of a safe retreat in 
the event of disaster. Had Morgan crossed 
this river, and approached the mountain, he 
AVould have gained a position disadvantageous 
to cavalry, but conveniet for riflemen ; and 
would have secured a less dangercus retreat. 
But these cogent reasons, rendered more for- 
cible by his inferiority in numbers, could not 
prevail. Confiding in liis long tried fortune, 
conscious of his personal superiority in soldier- 
ship, and relying on the skill and courage of 
his troops, he adhered to his resolution. Er- 
roneous as was the decision to fight in thispo^ 
sition, when a better might have been easily 
gained, the disposition for battle was masterly.> 



MORGAN. 297 

'^Two light parties of militia, under major 
M*Dowell of North Carolina, and major Cun- 
ningliam, of Georgia, were advanced in front, 
with orders to feel the enemy as he approach- 
ed^ and, preserving a desultory and well aimed 
ilre as they fell back to the front line, to 
range with it and renew the conflict. The 
main body of the militia composed this line, 
with general Pickens at its Iiead. At a suita- 
ble distance in the rear of the first line a se- 
cond was stationed, composed of the continen- 
tal infantry and two companies of Virginia mi- 
litia, under captains Triplett and Taite, com- 
manded by lieutenant colonel Howard. SYash- 
ington's cavalry, reinforced with a company of 
mounted militia armed with sabres, was held 
in reserve; convenient to support the infantry, 
and protect the horses of the rifle militia, 
which were tied agreeably to usage in the 
rear. On the verge of battle, Morgan avail- 
ed himself of the short and awful interim to 
exhort his troops. First addressing himself, 
with liis characteristic pith, to the line of mi- 
litia, he extolled the zeal and bravery so often 
displayed by them, when unsupported with the 
bayonet or sword ; and declared his confidence 
that they could not fail in maintaining their 
reputation, when supported by chosen bodies 
of horse and foot, and conducted by him self » 
Nor did he forget to glance at his unvarying 
fortune, and superior experience ; or to men- 
tion how often with his corps of riflemen, he 
had brought British troops, equal to those be- 
fore him, to submission. He described the deep 
3!^gret he had already experienced in bein^ 



208 MORGAN. 

obliged, from prudential considerations, to i>e- 
tire before an enemy al>vays in his power ; ex- 
horted the line to be firm and steady: to fire 
Avith good aim ; and if they would pour in but 
two volleys at killing distance, he would take 
upon himself to secure victory. To the conti- 
nentals, he was very brief, lie reminded tliem 
of the confidence he had always reposed in 
their skill and courage ; assured them that 
victory was certain if they acted well their 
part ; and desired them not to be discouraged 
by the sudden retreat of the militia, that being 
part of his plan and orders. Then taking post 
with this line, he waited in stern silence for the 
enemy. 

'* The British lieutenant colonel, urging for- 
ward, was at length gratified with the certain- 
ty of battle ; and, being prone to presume on 
victory, he hurried the formation of his troops. 
The light and legion infantry, with the seventh 
regiment^ composed the line of battle ; in the 
centre of which was posted the artillery, con- 
sisting of two grasshoppers ; and a tioop of 
dragoons was placed on each fiank. The bat- 
talion of the seventy-first regiment, under ma- 
jor M' Arthur, with the remainder of the ca- 
valry, formed the reserve. Tarleton placed 
himself with the line, having under him major 
New marsh, who commanded the seventh regi- 
ment, l^he disposition was not completed 
when he directed the line to advance, and the 
reserve to wait further orders. The American 
light parties quickly yielded, fell back, and ar- 
rayed with Pickens. The enemy, shouting, 
relished forward upon the front liue, which re^ 



MORGAN. S]9^9 

tained Us station, and poured in a close fire ; 
but, continuing to advance witli the bayonet 
en our militia, they retired, and gained with 
haste the second line. Here, with part of the 
eorps, Pickens took post on Howard's right, 
and the rest fled to their horses — probably with 
orders to remove them to a further distance. 
Tarleton pushed forward, and was received by 
his adversary with unshaken firmness. The 
contest became obstinate, and each party, ani- 
mated by the example of its leader, nobly con- 
tended for victory. Our line maintained itself 
so firmly, as to oblige the enemy to order up 
his reserve. The advance of M' Arthur reani- 
mated the British line, which again moved 
forward ; and, outstretching our front, endan- 
gered Howard's right. This officer instantly 
took measures to defend his flanks by directing 
his right company to change its front ^ h^it, 
mistaking this order, the company fell back ; 
upon which the line began to retire, and gene- 
ral Morgan directed it to retreat to the caval- 
ry. This manoeuvre heing performed with 
precision, our flank became relieved, and the 
new position was assumed with promptitude. 
Considering this retrograde movement the 
precursor of flight, the British line rushed on 
with impetuosity and disorder; but as it drew 
near, Howard faced about, and gave it a close 
and murderous fire. Stunned by this unex- 
pected shock, the most advanced of the enemy 
recoiled in confusion. Howard seized the hap- 
py moment, and followed his advantage with 
the bayonet. This decisive step gave us the 
day. The reserve having been brought noar 



300 MORGAN. 

the line, shared in the destruction of our fire. 
and presented no rallying point to the fugitives. 
A part of the enemy's cavalrj, having gained 
(jur rear, fell on that portion of the militia 
who had retired to their Iiorses. Washington 
struck at them with his dragoons, and drove 
them before him. Thus, by simultaneous ef- 
forts, the infantry and cavalry of the enemy 
were routed. Morgan pressed home his suc- 
cess, and the pursuit became vigorous and gc 
Reral. The British cavalry, having taken no 
part in the action, except the two troops at- 
tached to the line, were in force to cover the 
retreat. This, however, was not done. The 
zeal of lieutenant colonel Washington in pur- 
suit having carried him far before his squad- 
ron, Tarleton turned upon him with the troop 
of the seventeenth regiment of dragoons, se- 
conded by many of his officers. The American 
lieutenant colonel was first rescued from this 
critical contest by one of his Serjeants, and af- 
terwards by a fortunate shot from his bugler's 
pistol. This check concluded resistance on 
the part of the British officer, who drew off 
with the remains of his cavalry, colleeted his 
stragglers, and hastened to lord Cornwallis.— 
The baggage guard, learning the issue of the 
battle, moved instantly towards the British 
army. A part of the horse, who had shame- 
fully avoided action, and refused to charge 
when Tarleton wlieeled on the impetuous 
Washington, reached the camp of Cornwallis 
at Fisher's creek, about twenty-five miles from 
the Cowpcns, in the evening. The remainder 
.arrived with lieutenant colonel Tarleton on the 



MORGAN» 501 

looming following. In this decisive battle \vc 
lost about seventy men, of wliom twelve only 
were killed. The British infantry, with the 
exception of the baggage guard, Avere nearly 
all killed or taken. One hundred, including 
ten officers were killed ; twenty-three officers 
Und five hundred privates were taken. The 
artillery, eight hundred muskets, two stan- 
dards, thirty-live baggage wagons, and oile 
hundred dragoon horses, fell into our possession. 

The victory of the Cowpens was to the south 
what that of Bennington had been to the north. 
General Morgan, whose former services had 
placed him high in public estimation, was now 
deservedly ranked among the most illustrious 
defenders of his country. Starke* fought an 
Inferior, Morgan a superior, foe. The former 
contended Tith a German corps ; the latter 
with the elite of the southern army, composed 
of British troops. Starke was nobly se- 
conded by colonel Warner and his continen 
tal reeiment; Morgan derived very great aid 
from Fickens and his militia, and was effectu- 
ally supported by Howard and Washington. — - 
The weight of the battle fell on Howard ; who 
sustained himself gloriously in trying circum- 
stances, and seized with decision the critical 
moment to complete with the bayonet the ad- 
vantage gained by his fire. 

Congress manifested their sense of tills im- 
portant victory by a resolve, approving the 
conduct of the principal officers, and ccmme- 

* The hero of Bennington, 'vho no^v resides in th's 
s^te of Vermont. 

r c 



SQ2 MORGAN. 

morative of their distinguished exertions. To 
sjeneral Morgan they presented a golden medal, 
to brigadier Piekons a sword, and to lieutenant 
colonels Howard and Washington a silver me- 
dal, and to eaptain Triplctt a sword. 

We would merely observe, that, in our opi- 
Bion, those honored by their country by such 
testimonials of national gratitude, would do 
well to deposit them in the archives of some 
public institution. The testimonial is theiM 
preserved, not liable to casualty, or to fall into 
the hands of some ignorant administrator or 
executor, who is insensible of its value, and 
would willingly exchange it for an eagle. If 
the pride of family is consulted, it would thus 
receive a tedfold gratilication ; the story of the 
illustrious action it commemorated be read by 
thousands, who would otherwise be ignorant 
of the fact. We would ask, what has now be- 
come of the medal granted to Morgan ? 

Greene was now appointed to the command 
of the south. After the battle of the Cowpens 
a controversy ensued between that general and 
Morgan, as to the route which the latter should 
observe in his retreat. He insisted on passing 
the mountains — a salutary precaution, if ap- 
plied to himself, but which was at the same 
time fatal to the operations of Greene. He 
informed the general that if that route was de- 
nied him, he would not be responsible for the 
consequences. Neither shall you, replied the 
restorer of the south ; I will assume them all 
on myself. Morgan continued in his command 
until the two divisions of the army united at 
.Guilford court-house, when neither persuasion* 



MORGAN. 303 

entreaty, nor exciteiiicnt could induce him to 
remain in the service any longer. He retired, 
and devoted himself exclusively to the improve- 
ment of his farm and of his fortune. 

He remained here, in the hosom of retire- 
ment at Frederic, until he was summoned by 
president Washington to repress, by the force 
of the bayonet, the insurrection in the western 
counties of Pennsylvania. The executive of 
Virginia then detached Morgan to take the 
field, at the head of tlie militia of that state. 

Upon the retreat of the main body, Morgan 
remained in the bosom of the insurgents, until 
the ensuing spring, when he received orders 
from the president to withdraw. For the first 
time in his life, he now appears to have enter- 
tained ideas of political distinction. Baffled 
in his first attempt, he succeeded in his se- 
cond, and was elected a member of the house 
of representatives of the United States for the 
district of FredeHtfw Having served out the 
constitutional term, he declined another elec- 
tion. His health being much impaired, and 
his constitution gradually sinking, he remov- 
ed from Saratoga to the scene of his juvenile 
years, Berresville (Battletown) and from thence 
to Winchester, where he closed his long, la- 
borious and useful life* 

Brigadier Morgan was stout and active, six 
feet in height, strong, not too much encum- 
bered with flesh, and was exactly fitted for the 
toils and pomp of war. His mind was discri- 
minating and solid, but not comprehensive and 
combining. His manners plain and decorous, 
neither insinuating nor repulsive. His con 



3QJL MORGAN. 

versation grave, sententious and considerate*, 
unadorned and uncaptivating. He reflected 
deeply, spoke little, and executed with keeiv 
perseverance whatever he undertook. H6 
was indulgent in his military command, pre- 
ferring always the aflection of his troops, to 
that dread and awe which surround the rigid 
disciplinarian. 

No man ever lived who better loved this 
world, and no man more I'eluctantly quitted it. 
He was in the habit of expressing this feeling 
to his intimates without reserve, and used to 
say that he would agree to pass much of his 
life as a galley slave rather than exchange 
this world for that unknown. He was the re- 
verse of the great Washington in this respect^ 
whom he very much resembled in that happy 
mixture of caution and ardor which distin- 
guished the American hero. For the latter, 
when speaking upon the subject of death,^ 
W0ul4 oftea declare, that he >vouid not repass 
Lis life was it in his option. Yet no man, con- 
tradictory as it may appear, valued less his 
life than Morgan, when duty called him to 
meet his foe. Stopped neither by danger nor 
by difficulty, he rushed into the hottest of the 
battle, enamored with the glory which encir- 
cles victory. 

General Morgan, like thousands of mortals 
when nearly worn out by the hand of time, re-: 
sorted for mental comfort to the solace of re- 
ligion. He manifested great penitence for the 
follies of his early life ; this was followed by 
joining the presbyterian church in full com- 
muaiop; with wjiich he contiuuefl to his l^^st df»y^ 



MORRIS. BOB' 

MORRIS, Robert, superintendant of the 
finances of the United States, was a native of 
Manchester in England, and after his estah- 
lishment in this country hecame a very emi- 
nent merchant in Philadelphia. His enter- 
prise and credit have seldom been equalled. — 
In 1776 he was a member of congress from 
Pennsylvania, and his name is affixed to the 
declaration of independence. In the beginning 
of 1781 he was entrusted with the manage- 
ment of the finances, and the services, which 
in this station he rendered to his country were 
of incalculable value, being assisted by liis^ 
brother, Gouverneur Morris. He pledged 
himself personally and extensively for articles 
of the most absohitete necessity to the army. 
It was owing in a great degree to him, that 
the decisive operations of the campaign of 
1781 were not impeded, or completely defeat- 
ed from the want of supplies. He proposed 
the plan of a national bank, the capital to be 
formed by individual subseription, and it was 
incorporated on the last day of 1781. The 
army depended principally upon Pennsylvania 
for flour, and he himself raised the whole sup- 
plies of this state on the engagement of being 
reimbursed by the taxes, which had been im- 
posed by law. In 1782 he had to struggle 
with the greatest difficulties, for with the most 
judicious and rigid economy, the public resour- 
ces failed, and against him were the com- 
plaints of unsatisfied claimants directed. He 
resigned his office after holding it about three 
years. He died at Philadelphia, May 8, 1806/ 
in the seventy second year of his age, 

€Q9^ ■ 



$06 MOTJI.TRIE. 

MOULTRIE, William, governor of South 
Carolina, and a major general in the Ameri- 
can war, \Yas devoted to the service of his 
country from an early period of his life. In 
the Cherokee war, in 1760, he was a volunteer 
with many of his respectable countrymen, un- 
der the command of governor Lyttletou* He 
was afterwards in another expedition under 
colonel Montgomery. He then commanded a 
company in a third expedition in 1761, which 
humbled the Cherokees, and brought them to 
terms of peace. He was among the foremost 
at the commencement of the late revolution 
to assert the liberties of his country, and brav- 
ed every danger to redress her wrongs. His 
jjianl}^ firmness, intrepid zeal, and cheerful ex- 
posure of every thing, which he possessed, ad- 
ded weight to his counsels, and induced others 
to join him. In the beginning of the war ha 
was colonel of the second regiment of South 
Carolina. His defence of Sullivan's island- 
with three hundred and forty four regulars 
and a few militia, and his repulse of the Brit- 
tish in their attack upon the fort, June 28, 
1776, covered him with honor. In consequence 
of his good conduct he received the unanimous* 
thanks of congress, and in compliment to him. 
the fort was from that time called fort Moul- 
trie. In 1779 he gained u victory over the 
British in the battle near Beaufort. In 1780 
lie was second in command in Charleston dur- 
ing the siege. After the city surrendered lie^ 
was sent to Philadelphia. In 1782 he return- 
ed with his countrymen and was repeatedly 
chosen governor of tjie state; till the infirnii 



MOTTLTRIE. mr 

tics of age induced liim to withdraw to the 
peaceful retreat of domestic life. He died at 
Charleston, September 27, 1805, in the sevens 
ty sixth year of his age. The glory of his lio- 
norable services was surpassed by his disinter- 
estedness and integrity. 

From the following correspondence, it will 
be found that an attempt was made on t]ie part 
of the British to bribe him, for he was thought 
by them to be more open to corruption, as he 
had suffered much in his private fortune. But 
it will be seen with what indignation he spurn- 
ed the offers of indemnification and prefer- 
ment. 

March 11,1781. 

<< A sincere wish to promote w hat may be to 
your advantage, induces me now to write. The 
freedom with which we have often conversed, 
makes me hope you will not take amiss what 
I say. 

«My own principles respecting the com- 
mencement of this unfortu^iate war are well 
known to you ; of course ydu can also conceive 
that what I mention to you is of friendship. — 
You have now fought braVely in the cause of 
your country for many yeiirs, and in my opi- 
nion, fulfilled the duty an individual owes it ; 
You have had your share ofhardsliips and dif- 
ficulties : and if'the contest is^till to be coii- 
tinued, younger hands sliould now take the 
toil from you. You have now an opening of 
quitting that service with lionor and reputa- 
tion to yourself, by going to Jamaica with me. 
The world will readily attribute it to the 
known fricadsliip that has subsisted bctwcent^ 



308 MOULTRIE. 

us, and by quitting tliis country for a sliori 
time, you would avoid any disagreeable con- 
versations, and might return at your leisure 
to take possession of your estates for yourself 
and family. The regiment I am going with, I 
am to command ; the only proof I can give 
you of my sincerity is, that I will quit that 
command to you with pleasure, and serve un^ 
der you I earnestly wish I could be the in- 
strument to eifect what I propose, as I think 
it would be a great means towards promoting 
that reconciliation we all wish. A thousand 
circumstances concur to make this a proper 
period for you to embrace ; our old acquain- 
tance, my having been formerly governor in 
this province, and the interest I have with the 
present commander. 

« I give you my honor that wliat I write is 
entirely unknown to the commander, or any 
one else, and so shall your answer be, if you 
favor me with one. 

**Your's sincerelv, 

^* CHARLES MONTAGUE. 

" To brigadier general Charles Moultrie,^^ 

ANSWER. 

Haddrell's-Point, March 13, 1781. 

MY LORD — 

^* I received your's this morningo I thank you 
for your wish to promote my advantage, but 
am much surprised at your proposition. I 
flattered myself I stood in a more favorable 
light with you. I shall write with the same 
freedom witli which we used to converse, and 
doubt not you will receive it with the sam.:> 



MOTJLTRIE. 309 

oaiidor. I have often heard you express yOiir 
sentiments respecting this unfortunate war; 
when you thought the Americans injured ; hut 
am now astonished to find you take an active 
part against them ; though not fighting parti- 
cularly on the continent ; yet the seducing their 
soldiers away to enlist in the British service, 
is nearly similar. 

« My lord, you are pleased to compliment 
nie v/ith having fought hravely in my coun- 
try's cause, for many years, and, in your opi- 
nion, fulfilcd the duty every individual owes 
it : hut I differ widely with you in thinking 
that I have discharged my duty to my country, 
while it is deluged with blood and overrun by 
British troops, who exercise the most savage 
cruelties. When I entered into this contest, 
I did it with the most mature deliberation, with 
a determined resolution to risk, my life and for- 
tune in the cause. The hardships I have gone 
through I look upon with the tvreatest plea- 
sure and honor to myself. I shall continue to 
go on as I have begun, that my example may 
encourage the youths of America, to stand 
forth in defence of their rights and liberties. 
You call upon me now, and tell me I have a 
fair opening of quitting that service with ho- 
nor and reputation to myself, by going with 
you to Jamaica. Good God! is it possible 
that such an idea could arise in the breast of 
a man of honor ? I am sorry you should ima- 
gine I have so little regard to my own reputa- 
tion, as to listen to such dishonorable propo- 
sals* Would you wish to have that man ho» 



310 MOULTRIE. 

nored with your friendship, play the traitor? 
Surely not. 

<< You say, by quitting this country for a 
time I might avoid disagreeable conversations, 
and might return at my own leisure, and take 
possession of my estates for myself and family ; 
but you have forgot to tell me how I could 
get rid of the feelings of an injured honest 
heart, and where to hide myself from myseJf. 
Could I be guilty of so much baseness, I should 
hate myself and shun mankind. This would 
be a fatal exchange for the present situation, 
with an easy and approving conscience, of hav- 
ing done my duty, and conducted myself as a 
man of honor. 

*^ My lord, I am sorry to observe, that I feel 
your friendship much abated^ or you would not 
endeavor to prevail upon me to act so base a 
part. You earnestly wish you could bring it 
about, as you think it will be the iiieaiig oT 
bringing about that reconciliation we all wish 
for. I wi&h for a reconciliation as much as 
any man, but only upon honorable terms. — 
The repossessing my estates ; the offer of the 
command of four regiment, and the honor you 
propose of serving under me, are paltry consi- 
derations to the loss of my reputation. No, 
not the fee-simple of that valuable island of 
Jamaica, should induce me to part with my 
integrity. 

<< My lord, as you have made one proposal, 
give me leave to make another, which will be 
more honorable to us both. As you have an 
interest with your commanders, I would have 
you propose the withdrawing the British troops 



MUHLENBERG. 311 

from the continent of America, allo^ving inde- 
pendence and propose a peace. This being 
done I will use my interest with my comman- 
ders to accept the terms, and allow Great Bri- 
tain a free trade with America. 

** My lord, I could make one more proposal ; 
but mj situation as a prisoner, circumscribes 
me within certain bounds. I must, therefore, 
conclude with allowing you the free liberty to 
make what use of this you may think proper. 
Think better of me. 

**^I am, my lord, your lordship's most humble 
servant. 

"\VM. MOULTRIE. 

^< To lord Charles Montague,^^ 

MUHLENBERG, Peter, a brave and dis 
tinguished officer during the revolutionary war* 
Avas a native of Pennsylvania. In early life he 
yielded to the wishes of his venerable father, 
the patriach of the German Lutheran church 
in Pennsylvania, by becoming a minister of the 
Episcopal church, in which capacity he acted 
in an acceptable manner in Virginia, until the 
year 1776, when he became a member of the 
convention, and afterwards a colonel of a regi- 
ment of that state. In the year 1777, he w as 
appointed 'a brigadier general in the revolu- 
tionary army, in which capacity he acted until 
the termination of the war which gave liberty 
and independence to his country, at which time 
he was promoted to the rank of major gene- 
ral. General Muhlenberg was a particular 
favorite of the commander in chief, and he 
was one of those brave men in whose coolnesiSr 



decision of cliaraeter, and undaunted resola 
tion, he could ever rely. It has been asserted 
with some degree of confidence, that it was ge- 
neral Muhlenberg who commanded the Ameri- 
can storming party at Yorktown, the honor of 
which station has been attributed, by the dif- 
ferent histories of the American revolution, to 
another pesson. It is, however, a well known 
fact, that he acted a distinguished and brave 
part at the siege of York town. 

After the peace, general Muhlenberg was 
chosen by his fellow citizens of Pennsylvania, 
to fill in succession the various stations of Vice 
President of the supreme executive council of 
Pennsylvania, member of the House of Repre- 
sentatives, and senator of the United States ; 
and afterwards appointed by the president of 
the United States, supervisor of the excise in 
Pennsylvania, tind finally, collector of tlie pert 
of Philadelphia, which office he held at the 
time of liis death. In all the above military 
and political stations, general Muhlenberg 
acted faithfully to his country and honorably 
to himself. He was brave in the field, and 
firm in the cabinet. In private life he was 
strictly just ; in his domestic and social at- 
tachments, he was aflTectionate and sincere ; 
and in his intercourse with his fellow citizens, 
always amiable and unassuming. 

He died on the first day of October, 18Q7, 
in the sixty second year of his age, at his seat 
near Schuylkill, Montgomery county, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

NELSON, Thomas, governor of Virginia, 
V" - a distinguished patriot in the revolrition^ 



NISBET, 515 

ad^ uniformly ardent in his attaciiment to li- 
berty. He was among tlie first of that glo- 
rious band of patriots, whose exertions dashed 
and defeated the machinations of British tyran- 
ny ; and gave to united America, freedom and 
independent empire. At a most important 
crisis, during the late struggle for American 
liberty, Avhen Virginia appeared to be dcsig- 
nated as the theatre of action for the contend- 
ing armies, he was selected by the unanimous 
sutfrage of the legislature to command the vir- 
tuous yeomanry of his country ; in which ho- 
norable employment, he remained to the end 
of the war. As a soldier, he was indefatiga- 
bly active, and cooly intrepid. Resolute and 
undejected in misfortunes, he towered above 
distress — and struggled with the manifold dif- 
iieulties, to which his situation exposed him, 
with constancy and courage. 

In tlie year 1781, when the force of the 
southern British army was directed to the im- 
mediate subjugation of that state, he was cal- 
led to the helm of government, and took the 
field at the head of his countrymen. The 
commander in chief, and the officers at the 
siege of York town, witnessed his merit and 
^ittacliment to civil and religious liberty. lie 
died in February 1789. 

NISBET, Charles, d. d, first president of 
Dickinson college, Pennsylvania, was born in 
Scotland in 1737, and was. for many years mi- 
nister of Montrose. During the struggle be- 
tween Great Britain and her colonies, such was 
his attachment to liberty, that he dared to lift 
li]} his voice in favor of America. When Dick- 
Dd 



51 i Oe^DEN— 0L>; EY, 

inson college was founded at Carlisle in 17^,S, 
he was chosen its principal, though he did not 
arrive in this country and enter upon the du- 
ties of this office till 1785. He died January 
17,1804, in the sixty seventh year of his age. 
His imagination was lively and fertile, and his 
understanding equally acute and vigorous. He 
possessed a memory tenacious almost beyond 
belief, a solid judgment, and a correct taste. 
'Bj unwearied study his mind was stored with 
general erudition and miscellaneous knowledge 
in a very uncommon degree. As the princi- 
pal of a college, as a minister of the gospel, 
as a true patriot, as a good man, he has not 
often been surpassed. 

OGDEN, Matthias, brigadier general m 
the army of the United States, took an early 
and a decided part in the late contest with 
Great Britain. He joined the army at Cam- 
bridge, and such was his zeal and resolution, 
that he accompanied ilrnold in penetrating 
through the wilderness to Canada. He was 
engaged in the attack upon Quebec and was 
carried wounded from the place of engage- 
ment. On his return from this expedition he 
was appointed to the command of a regiment, 
in which station he eontinued until the con^ 
elusion of the war. When peace took place 
he was honored by congress with a commission 
of brigadier general. He died at Elizabeth- 
town, New Jersey, March 31, 1791. He Mas 
distinguished for his liberality and philanthropy. 

OLNEY, Jeremih, commenced his milita- 
ry ca: eer at the earliest period of the defen- 
<tvf revolutionary war, and became the com- 



OLNEY. SU 

panion in arms of the immortal Washington^ 
under whose auspicious command (frequently 
as the chief officer of the Rhode Island forces) 
lie nohly persevered, through all the trying, 
changing scenes of the revolution, till a glo- 
rious independence emancipated his beloved 
country, and, in " peace, liberty, and safety,** 
ranked her among the nations of the earth. 
His heroism at Red Bank, Springfield, Mon- 
mouth, Yorktown, and other places where 
'* men's souls were tried," will be honorably 
registered by the pen of the faithful historian 
in the annals of his country, and will embalm 
his memory to all posterity. 

The life of this amiable and highly revered 
gentlemen was distinguished by the most unde- 
viating honor and integrity, from which no in- 
terest could swerve him, no danger appal him. 
T » his innate love and ardent practice of truth 
and justice, were united a disposition the most 
social and endearing, a philanthropy the most 
exalted, and a hospitality the most unausten- 
tatious and interesting to the finer feelings of 
the heart. To every branch of his numerous 
and respectable family, to all his associates and 
neighbors, he was every attentive and affec- 
tionate, and to those whom he knew were op- 
pressed with sickness, sorrow, and misfortune, 
he was a liberal active comforter — a friend in- 
deed/ Even his servants he humanely consi- 
dered his " humble friends," and treated them 
accordingly. Indeed, all who were connected 
or associated with him, by affinity, friendship, 
or patronage, will long remember him with 
th<; most lively gratitude and regard, mingled 



^16 OTIS. ' 

with sentiments of the tenderest regret, llis 
private virtues were numerous and exemplary, 
as he wisely regulated his conduct hy his re- 
vered monitor, conscience — the incorruptible 
vicegerent of the most high God, As a citizen, 
he was public spirited ; as a patriot soldier, 
ardent, judicious, and intrepid. 

He was for many years collector of th« cus- 
toms of the port and district of Providence, 
Jlhode Island, and president of the society of 
Cincinnati of that state. He died November 
10, 1812, in the sixty-third year of his age. 

OTIS, James, a distinguished patriot and 
statesman, was the son of the honorable James 
Otis, of Barnstable, Massachusetts, and was 
graduated at Harvard college in 1743. After 
pursuing the study of the law under Mr. Grid- 
ley, the first lawyer and civilian of his time, 
at the age of twenty one he began the practice at 
Plymouth. In 1761 he distinguished himself 
by pleading against the writs of assistance, 
which the officers of the customs had applied 
for to the judges of the supreme court. His 
antagonist was Mr. Gridley. He was in t!iis 
or the following year chosen a member of the 
legislature of Massachusetts, in which body 
the powers of his eloquence, the keenness of 
his wit, the force of his arguments, and the 
resources of his intellect gave him a most 
commanding influence. AVhen the arbitrary 
claims of Great Britain were advanced, he 
-warmly engaged in defence of the colonies, 
and was the first champion of American free- 
dom, wbo had the courage to affix liis name 
to ^production; that stood forth against thi- 



OTIS. 317 

|}iet<insioris of tiie parent state. He was a 
member of the congress, which was held at 
New York, in 1765, in which year his rights 
of the colonies vindicated, a pamphlet, occa- 
sioned by the sfauip act, and which was eonsi= 
dered as a masierpieee both of good writing 
and of argument, was published in London. — 
For the boldness of his opinions he was threa- 
tened with an arrest ; yet he continued to sup- 
port the rights of his fellow citizens. He re- 
signed the office of judge advocate in 1767, and 
renounced all employment under an administra- 
tion, which had encroached upon the liberties 
of his country. His warm passions sometimes 
betrayed him into unguarded epitlicts, that 
gave his enemies an advantage, without beneiit 
to the cause, which lay nearest his heart. — > 
Being vilified in the public papers he in return 
published some severe strictures on the con- 
duct of the commissioners of the customs, and 
others of the ministerial party» A short time 
afterwards, on the evening of the fifth of Sep- 
tember 1769, he met Mr. John Robinson, one 
of the commissioners^ in a public room, and an 
affray followed, in which he was assaulted by 
a number of ruffians, who left him and a young 
gentleman, who interposed in 1>is defence, co- 
vered with wounds. The wounds were not 
mortal, but his usefulness was destroyed, for 
his reason was shaken from its throne, and the 
great man in ruins lived several years the grief 
of his friends. In an interval of reason he for- 
gave the men, who had done him an irreparable 
injury, and relinquished the sum of live thou^ 
saiid pounds sterling, which Mr. Robinson had 
D d 2. . 



SIS PAGE. 

been by a civil process adjudged to pay, on his' 
signing a humble acknowledgment. He lived 
to see but not fully to enjoy the independence 
of America, an event, towards which his efforts 
had greatly contributed. At length on the 
twenty third day of May 1783, as he was lean- 
ing on his cane at the door of Mr. Osgood's 
house in Andover, he was struck by a flash of 
lightning ; his soul was instantly liberated from 
its shatteried tenement, and sent into eternity. 
He has left a character that will never die, 
while the memory of the American revolution' 
remains ; whose foundation he laid with an en- 
ergy, and with those masterly abilities which 
but few possessed. 

PAGE, John, governor of Virginia, was a 
iirm patriot, a statesman, a philosopher, and a 
christain. From his youth he was a man of 
pure and unblemished life. From the first 
commencement of the American revolution to 
the last hour of his life, he exhibited a firm, 
inflexible, unremitting, and ardent attachment 
to his country, and he rendered her very im- 
portant services. He was one of the first re- 
presentatives from Virginia under the present' 
constitution of the United States. In 1800 he- 
was chosen one of the electors of pi^esident. In 
1802 he was chosen governor of Virginia in the 
place, it is believed, of Mr. Monroe. He died 
at Richmond October 11, 1808, in the sixty 
fifth year of his age. His conduct was marked 
by uprightness in all the vicissitudes of life, iw 
the prosperous and calamitous tin.es, througli 
which he had passed, in seasons of gladness and 
of affliction. 



PAINE. SIO- 

PAINE, Thomas, author of Common Sense^ 
Tlic Crisis, Rights of Man, &c. &c. was born in 
England, 1737, and died at New-York, 1809, 
aged seventy two. The education and early life 
of Thomas Paine, differed in nothing from that 
of any other intelligent enterprising young me- 
chanic. As soon as he had acquired a know- 
ledge of his trade he left his native tow n lliet - 
ford, in Notinghamshire, and went to London, 
with na higher (apparent) ambition tlmn that 
of establishing himself in business as a master- 
stay maker. He next went to sea in a British 
privateer ; aftCF that he Avas an exciseman and^ 
a grocer. He emigrated to this country by the 
advice of Doctor Franklin, in the year 1775, 
and here his literary and political careercom- 
menced. The poj^islarity of his writings and 
bis eloquent speeches during the revolutionary 
war in this country, rendered him, in many in- 
stances, a useful auxiliary to the army. The 
great and most striking feature in the charac- 
ter of Thomas Paine, is that intellectual cour^ 
age, that bold decision, and unAvavering confi- 
dence in his own powers, which enable the pos- 
sessor coolly to mark out with the eye his des- 
tined course, and then to advance with firm and 
steady step careless of consequence, and fear- 
less of pu^'lic opinion. The circumstances of 
the world so unaccountably fiekle, so ready to 
change order into anarchy, and then anarchy 
into (lespotism, exceedingly favored the system^ 
ef Paine, particularly in Europe. Asto the im- 
pious folly which Paine pub]ished on the sub= 
ject of religion, let it silently pass into ih^ 
^^fave with its wofully deluded. author.^. 



3Z0 PENDLETON— PIERCE. 

PENDLETON, Edmund, a distinguished 
statesman of Virginia, was a member oi the 
iii'st congress in 177i, and was again appointed 
at the next choice, but in August 1775 he de- 
clined a tiiird election on account of his ill 
beaith. Jle v/as for many years one of the 
judges of the court of appeals of Virginia, and 
was its president at the time of his death. In 
1787 he was appointed president of the conven- 
tion of Virginia, which met to consider the con- 
stitution of the United States, and he exerted 
his talents in favour of its adoption. After the 
government was organized he was in 17S9 ap- 
pointed by president Washington distrisct judge 
for Virginia, but he declined this office. He 
died at Richmond October 26, 1803, in the 
eighty third year of his age. 

PIERCE, John, Paymaster general during 
ilic revolutionary war, was a native of Connec- 
ticut. He was instructed in the learned lan° 
guages, and instituted in the rudiments of po* 
lite literature, at que of those grammer schools 
which are established by government, in every 
county town, in ihe state of Connecticut. He 
afterwards read law with an attorney, and was 
admitted to the practice, at the commencement 
i>f the late war. .But finding, from the turbu- 
lence of the times> that the prospect was unfa- 
vorable at the bar, and that his services might 
be useful with the army, he went as a clerk 
in a commissary-s store at the northward. — 
From thence he became an assistant in the 
pay office of the separate army, in tlie same 
liepartment. The junction of the three corpse, 
^;;hich had served the year befoj^e separately,, 



PIERCE. S%± 

under tlic orders of general Washington, gene- 
ral Putnam and general Gates, at the AVhite 
Plains in 1778 ,* aml|the consequent resignation 
of colonel Trumbull, liis principal, left him in 
the character of a deputy to colonel Palfry, 
the paymaster general, at the head quarters 
of the main army. 

Tlie tide in human affairs at length brought 
^|[r. Pierce to the moment, which was to prove 
the crisis of his fortunes. When colonel Pal- 
fry was appointed consul general to France^ 
several gentlemen of fair pretensions, were 
candidates for filling the first seat in the pay- 
©flice, wliieli had thus heeome vacant. Kor 
will it easily be comprehended by those who 
are possessed of European ideas, respecting 
the disposal of ministerial appointments, how 
a young man, like Mr. Pierce, who had risen 
from a low station on the civil staff, without 
friends, should have been nominated to an of- 
iice of so much trust and importance. It was 
his lot to have conducted the whole business 
with the main army for some time before the 
vacancy took place ; and fortunately for him, 
the advantages to be derived from a manly un- 
derstanding, indefatigable application' and in- 
flexible honesty,, were known and appreciated. 
T'>e commander in cliief, impressed with an 
idea that Mr. Pierce would perform the duties 
with great fidelity and ability, interested him- 
self somewhat on the occasion. While the 
matter was yet depending before congress^ his 
excellency wrote recommendatory letters to 
some of his private correspondents, and had 
reasou to be perfectly satisfied with the result o 



322 PIERCE. 

On the irtli of January, 1781, Mr. Pierce 
was elected pay-master general ; and, before 
the dissolution of the army, commissioner for 
settling their accounts. His conduct, in trans- 
acting the complicated business winch devolv- 
ed upon him, fully justified the confidence that 
had been reposed in him, by these appoint- 
ments. The trouble, in the former, >vas infi- 
nitely accumulated by the poverty of the mili- 
tary chest and the defect of regular payments. 
It is known that the want of money to dis- 
charge the arrears, left an unsettled account 
between the public and every individual, who 
belonged to the army. These accounts were 
liquidated, and certificates of the balances 
were signed in the hand writing of Mr. Pierce. 
This was a most arduous task, in the accom- 
plishment of which, innumerable perplexities 
and embarrasments must have occurred. No 
stronger testimony can be adduced of his clear- 
ness in stating the accounts, independence in 
rejecting improper claims, and candor in al- 
lowing such as had a title to admission, than 
the approbation of congress, the board of trea- 
sury, the officers and privates of the army. 

Mr. Pierce died at New York, in August, 
1788. He was about fiye feet seven inches 
high, of a slender form, delicate constitution, 
thin visage, pale complexion, aquiline nose, 
and piercing eyes. The jostlings of an army 
quickly rubbed off the rough points of rusti- 
city : and the habits of society soon made his 
deportment appear not only unembarrassed and 
easy, but even, to a certain degree, engaging 
attd graceful. It was observable that our 



PREBLE. 3^3 

young officers profited -by their opportunities 
in a wonderful manner : so that the captains, 
the subalterns of the military staif, at the close 
of the war, would not, perhaps, have suffered 
by a comparison with officers of a similar 
grade, in any service of Europe. 

Our republic never had a more faithful offi- 
cer in its service ; and the nation, which were 
as ably served, will find occasion to applaud 
its good fortune. His friends were witnesses 
to the sensibility of an undisguised soul, and 
approved the tenor of a private life Avithout a 
stain. His life will furnish a practical lesson 
of virtue rewarded, and a grateful incitement 
to our young countrymen, who may hereafter 
be engaged in public affairs, to persist in the 
career of patriotism. While one life after an- 
other, of those who have served their country, 
in various stations, during the revolntion, be- 
comes extinct ; it is a tender and melancholy 
duty for their surviving associates to drop a 
tear over their graves, and to draw such true, 
though unembellished likenesses, of the de- 
parted patriots, as may serve to keep their 
merits in remembrance, long after their pe- 
rishable part shall have been mingled with its 
congenial dust. 

PREBLE, Edward, commodore in the 
American navy, was born August 15, 1761, in 
Portland, Massachusetts. From early childhood 
he discovered a strong disposition for hazards 
and adventures, and a firm, resolute, and per- 
severing temper. In his youth he became a 
mariner on board a merchant vesseL 



S2t. .FliEBLE- 

In the year 1779 he became midshipman m 
the state ship Protector, twenty-six guns, com- 
manded by that brave olRccr, John Forstcr 
Williams, who has always spoken with empha- 
sis of the courage and good conduct of Mr. 
Preble, while in his ship. 

On the first cruise of the Protector, she en- 
gaged off New bundland, the letter of marque 
Admiral Duff, of 36 guns. It was a short but 
hard fought action. The vessels were con- 
stantly very near and much of the time along 
side, so that balls were thrown from one to the 
other by hand. The Duff struck, but taking 
fire about the same time, she in a few minutes 
blew up. Between thirty and forty of her peo- 
ple were saved and taken on board the Protec- 
tor, where a malignant fever soon spread and 
carried off two thirds of captain Williams's 
crew. He returned to an eastern port, and 
landing his prisoners and recruiting his men, 
sailed on a second cruise. Falling in with a 
British sloop of war and frigate, the Protector 
was captured. The principal officers were ta- 
ken to England^ but Preble, by the interest of 
a friend of his father, colonel William Tyng, 
obtained his release at New York and return- 
ed to his friends. 

He then entered as first lieutenant on board 
the sloop of war Winthrop, captain George Lit- 
tle, who had been captain Williams's second in 
command in the Protector, had scaled the walls 
of his prison at Plymouth, and with one other 
person escaping in a wherry to France, took 
passage thence to Boston. 



"PREBLE. ■ 3^ 

One of Mr. Preble's exploits, Avhile in this 
station, has been often mentioned as an instance 
of daring courage and cool intrepidity not less 
than of good fortune. He boarded and cut out 
an English armed brig of superior force to tlie 
Winthrop lying in Penobscot harbor, under cir- 
cumstances which justly gave the action great 
eclat. Little had taken the brig's tender, from 
whom he gained such information of the situa- 
tion of the brig, as made him resolve to attempt 
seizing on her by surprise. He run her along 
lide in the night, having prepared forty men to 
jump into her dressed in white frocks, to ena- 
ble them to distinguish friend from foe. Com- 
rng e!os8 upon her he was hailed by the enemy, 
who, a^ v/as said, supposed the AYintlirop must 
be her tender, and who cried out, "you will 
run aboard" — He answered, **I am coming 
aboard," and immediately Preble with four- 
teen men sprung into the brig. The motion 
of the vessel was so rapid that the rest of the 
forty destined for boarding missed their oppor* 
tunity. Little called to his lieutenant <^ will 
you not have more men ?" *« No," he answer- 
ed with great presence of mind and a loud 
voice, ^* we have more than we want; we 
stand in each other's way." Those of the 
enemy's crew who were on deck chieiiy leap- 
ed over the side, and others belov/ from the 
cabin window and swam to the shore, which 
was within pistol shot. Preble instantly en- 
tering the cabin found the ofiicers in bed or 
just rising : he assured them tliey were his 
prisoners and that resistance was vain, and if 
attempted/ would be fatal to them. Believing 
Ee 



^m PREBLE. 

they were surprised and mastered by superii»r 
numbers they forbore any attempt to rescue 
the vessel and submitted. Tbe troops of tbc 
enemy marched down to the sbore, and com- 
menced a brisk tiring >Yith muskets, and the 
battery opened a cannonade, which, however, 
was too liigh to take effect. In the mean time 
tlie captors beat their prize out of the harbor, 
•exposed for a considerable space to volleys of 
musketry, and took her in triumph to Boston. 

Lieutenant Preble continued in tbe Win- 
throp till the peace of 1783. 

In 1801 he had the command of the frigate 
Essex, in which he performed a voyage to the 
East Indies, for tlie protection of our trade. 
In 1804, he was appointed commodore, with a 
squadron of seven sail, and he soon made his 
passage to the 3Iediterranean with the design 
of humbling the Tripolitan barbarians. He, 
with commodore Rodgers, (who commodore 
Preble succeeded) and captain Bainbridge, 
took such measures Avitli regard to the empe- 
ror of Morocco, as led to a peace. The com- 
modore in giving an account to his govern- 
ment of his proceedings, observed "In the 
whole of this business I have advised witli co- 
lonel Lear, Mr. Simpson, and commodore Rod- 
gers. I am confident we have all been actuated 
by the same motive the good of our country." 

Commodore Preble having nothing at pre- 
sent to fear from Morocco, directed his prin- 
cipal attention to Tripoli. He ordered the 
frigate Philadelphia, captain Bainbridge,* and 

* Who now commands the frigate Constitution, and 

who on the 29th December 1312, after an action of aii 



PBEBLE: ^7 

^le schooner Vixen, to the coast of Tripoli, 
and formerly declared tltjc blockade of that 
place, and sent notice of the fact to the res- 
pective neutral powers. On the 31st of Octo- 
ber, the Philadelphia frigate, after pursuing a 
Tripolitan corsair till she came to seven fa- 
thoms water, in beating* off, she ran on a rock, 
not laid down in any chart, about four and a 
half miles from the town. Every exertion to 
get her off proved ineffectual. Meanwhile she 
was attacked by numerous gun-boats, which she 
withstood for four hours, whilst the careening 
of the ship made the guns totally useless. A 
reinforcement coming off, and no possible means 
of resisting them appearing, the captain sub- 
mitted to the horrid necessity of striking to his 
barbarous enemy. They took possession of the 
ship, and made prisoners of the officers and 
men, in number three hundred, with robbery, 
Tiolence, and insult. In forty-eight hours, the 
wind blowing in shore, the Tripolitans were 
able to get off the frigate, and having raised 
her guns, towed her into the harbor of Tripo- 
li. The commodore apprehended the worst 
from this diminution of his force ; a war with 
Tunis, and perhaps with Algiers ; at least, a 
protraction of the present war. He now pro- 
cured a number of gun-boats from the king of 

hour and fifty-five minutes, captured and destroyed the 
British frigate Java, captain Lambert, of 49 gurs. On 
board the Constitution there were nine killed and twen- 
ty-five wounded, and on board "^he Java, sixty lulled and 
one hundred and one (another account says) one hun- 
dred and seventy wounded. Captain Lambert was 
mortally wounded, and died three days alter the actionV 



328 l*ilEBLE 

Kaples, and proceeded to the attack of Tri- 
poli. 

February 3, 1804, lieutenant Stephen Deca- 
tur,* with seventy volunteers in the Intrepid, 
and accompanied by the Syren, sailed for Tri- 
poli, with a view to destroy, as they could not 
in any event expect to bring out, the frigate 
Philadelphia. On the 16th, the service was 
accomplished in the most gallant manner.^ — 
JLfieutenant Decatur entered the harbor of Tri- 
poli in the night ; and laying his vessel along 
side the frigate, boarded and carried her 
against all opposition. A large number of 
men were on board, of whom twenty or thirty 
were slain, and the remainder driven over the 
side, excepting one boat's crew, which escap- 
ed to the shore, and one person made prisoner. 
The assailants then set fire to her and left her. 
She was soon in a complete blaze, and was to- 
tally consumed. The frigate lay within half 
^un shot of the castle and the principal batte- 
ry, with her guns mounted and loaded, and 
two corsairs, full of men, were riding very 
near. We had none killed, and only one 
wounded. 

* Now, captain Decatur, who commands the frigate 
United States, and who, on the 25th October, 1812, 
after an action of an hour and an half, captured and 
brought safe into port, the British frigate Macedo- 
nian, captain Garden, of 49 cariiage guns, (the odd 
gun shifting) two years old, and one of the largest 
class. On board the United, States there were five 
killed and seven wounded, and on board the Macedo* 
oi^n thirty-six killed and sixty-eight wounded. 



PREBLE. 329 

!lProm tliis time till the bombardment of Tri- 
poli, the commodore was occupied in cruising, 
in keeping up the blockade of the Tripoline 
harbor, and in making preparations for an at- 
tack. He took the utmost pains to convey 
supplies and information to captain Bainbridge 
and his officers and men ; and after a time, by 
means of the good offices of sir Alexander 
Ball, succeeded. He tried several tim.es to 
ncgociate for a ransom and treaty^ but the 
demands of the regency were sometimes ridi- 
culously extravagant, and when lowest, beyond 
what he thought himself permitted to accord. 
The designs of warfare he liad entertained 
were checked by a solicitude for a release of 
his countrymen ; though he may by some per- 
sons, perhaps, be thought to^liave indulged too 
far his aversion to the payment of a considera- 
ble rajisom. He found himself able to make 
their situation as comfortable as the nature of 
it would admit ; and he believed that the in- 
iufliction of suffering and terror, when the 
time should come upon the enemy, would not 
produce, as it did not, any long continued ag- 
gravation of the evils of their condition, whilst 
it would essentially serve his country. Indeed 
aft' r the destruction of the Philadelphia, the 
bashaw at first affected, to avenge himself by 
a severer treatment of the captives ; but this 
was not long persisted in.^ It was supposed 
that in case of a formidable attack on the 
town, the worst that would happen to them 
wold be to be taken into the country for safe 
keeping. 

s e g: 



330 PREBLE. 

The commodore having ohtained a loan from 
the king of Naples, of six gun-boats and two 
?jomb vessels, completely fitted for service, on 
the 31st July he joined the detachment off 
Tripoli. His force consisted of the frigate 
Constitution, Brigs Argus, captain Hull,* Sy- 
ren and Scourge, and schooners Vixen, Nau- 
tilus and Enterprize. Six gun-boats of one 
brass twenty-six pounder each ; and two bom- 
bard ketches, each carrying a thirteen inch 
mortar ; the whole number of men one thou- 
sand and sixty. 

The enemy had on his castle and several bat- 
teries, one hundred and fifteen guns ; fifty -five 
©f which were heavy battering brass cannon ; 
the others long eighteen and twelve pounders; 
nineteen gun-boats, with eacli a long brass 
eighteen or twenty-four pounder in the bow, 
and two howitzers abaft. He had two schoon- 
ers of eight guns each, a brig of ten, and two 
gallics, having each four guns. In addition to 
the ordinary Turkish garrison, stationed upon 
the fortifications, and the crews of the boats 
and armed vessels, computed at about three 
thousand, the bashaw had called into the de- 
fence of his city more than twenty thousand 
Arabs. These forces were arranged in the 
positions best adapted for repelling an attack, 

* Who, in the Constitution frigate, on the 19th of 
August, 1812, after all action of thirty minutes, cap- 
tured and destroyed the British frigate Guerriere, cap- 
tain Dacres, of 49 guns. On board the Constitution 
ihere were seven killed and seven wounded, and on 
board the Guerriere fifteen killed and sixty-four 
wounded. 



PREBLE. SSI 

and also for seizing the occasion of falling upon 
any detachment of the invading force, which 
could he drawn from the main hody. 

The weather prevented the squadron from 
approaching the enemy till the 28th, when 
after anchoring within 2 1-2 miles of his line 
of defence, the wind suddenly shifted and in° 
creased to a gale. They were compelled to 
weigh and gain an oiBng. On the first of Au- 
gust the gale suhsided, and the squadron on the 
third (the weather being pleasant and the wind 
at east,) at noon were within two or three 
miles of the batteries, which were all closely 
manned. 

The commodore observing that several of 
the enemy's boats had taken a station without 
the reef of rocks which cover the entrance of 
the harbor, about two miles from its bottom, 
resolved to take advantage of this circum- 
stance, and made signal for the squadron to 
come within speaking distance, when he com- 
municated to the several commanders his in- 
tention of attacking the shipping and batteries^ 
The gun and mortar boats were immediately 
manned and prepared to cast off. The gun 
boats in two divisions of three each — the first 
division under captain Somers on board No. 1, 
with lieutenant James Decatur in No. 2, and 
lieutenant Blake in No. 3. The second divi- 
sion under captain Decatur in No. 4, with lieu- 
tenant Bainbridge in No. 5, and lieutenant 
Trippe in No. 6. The two bombards were com- 
manded by lieutenant commandant Dent, and 
by Mr. Robinson, first lieutenant of the corn- 
moilorc's ship. At half past one o'clock the 



332 PREBLlih 

squadron stood for the batteries ; at two cast 
off the gun boats ; at half past two signal fov 
the bombs and boats to advance and attack, and 
in fifteen minutes after, signal was given for 
general action. It was commenced by the 
bombs throwing shells into the town. In an 
instant the enemy's lines opened a tremendous 
fire from not less than two hundred guns, 
which was promptly returned by the wliolc 
squadron now within musket shot of the prin- 
cipal batteries. 

At this moment captain Decatur with his 
three gun boats, attacked the enemy's eastern 
division consisting of nine. He was soon in 
the centre of them, and the fire of grape, lan- 
grage and musketry, was changed to a deadly 
personal combat with the bayonet, spear, sabre 
and tomahawk. Captain Decatur grappled 
one of the enemy's boats and boarded with but 
fifteen men. lie parried the blows of five 
Turks, who fell upon him witli scimeters, so 
as to receive no injury, till a blow from the 
boat's captain, a powerful Turk, cleft his blade 
in two. He instantly closed with the Turk, 
but overpowered by muscular strength, he fell 
under him across the gimnel of the boat. In 
this position he drew a side pistol and killed 
his antagonist. Meantime his sergeant and a 
marine soldier, -seeing his danger,, flew to his 
relief and engaged and slew the other four as- 
sailants. By tliis time the other thirteen men 
had vanquished the residue of the crew, thirty- 
one in number, and the boat's colors were haul- 
ed down. Captain Decatur left this boat in 
charge of an officer, and immediately witli 



PREBLE. 333 

lieutenant M'Donougli, and eight men beside 
himself, laid another boat on board, ^vhich he 
carried after a desperate and bloody encounter 
of a few minutes. The fierce desperation of 
the Arnout Turks, who value themselves on 
never yielding, made the slaughter of the ene- 
iny in these conflicts immense. The two pri- 
'zas of captain Decatur Iiad thirty-three offi- 
cers and men killed, and twenty-seven made 
prisoners, nineteen of whom w ere severely 
wounded. 

Lieutenant Trlppe boarded one of the ene- 
my's large boats with only a midshipman, Mr. 
Jonathan Henley, and nine men. His boat 
falling off before any more could join him, he 
was left to conquer or perish with the fearful 
odds of eleven to thirty-six. In a few minutes,, 
however, though for a moment the victory 
seemed dubious, the enemy was subdued ; four- 
teen of them lost their lives and tweuty-two 
submitted to be prisoners ; seven of whom 
were badly wounded. Lieutenant Trippe re- 
ceived eleven sabre wounds, some of which 
were deep and dangerous. The blade of his 
sword also yielded. He closed with the ene- 
my ; both fell, but in the struggle, Trippe 
wrested the Turk's sword from him, and with 
it pierced his body. Mr. Henley in this ren- 
counter displayed a valor joined to a coolness 
that wouhl have honored a veteran^ Lieuten- 
ant Bainbridge had his lateen yard shot away, 
wliich baffled his utmost exertions to get along 
side the enemy's boats ; but his active and well 
directed fire within musket shot was very ef- 
fective. At one time he had in his ardour push- 



33i PUEBLE. 

ed forward so that Lis boat grounded witliiii 
pistol shot of one of tlie enemy's formidable 
batteries, and where he was exposed to vol- 
leys of musketry. But by address and cour- 
age he extricated himself from this situation, 
and so ill directed was the enemy's fire, with- 
out receivin'g any injury. 

Captain Somers was not able to fetch far 
enough to windward to co-operate with Deca- 
tur. But he bore down upon the leeward di- 
vision of the enemy, and with his single boat 
within pistol shot attacked five full manned 
boats, defeated and drove them in a shattered 
condition and with the loss of many lives un- 
der shelter of the rocks. 

Lieutenant Decatur in No. 2, engaged with 
one of the enemy's largest boats, which struck 
after the loss of the greatest part of her merr. 
At the moment this brave young oificer was 
stepping on board his prize, he was shot througli 
the head by the Turkish captain, who by this 
means escaped, whilst the Americans were re- 
covering the body of their unfortunate com^ 
mander. 

The two bomb vessels kept their station, al- 
though often covered with the spray of the 
sea occasioned by the enemy's shot. They 
kept up a constant fire and threw a great num- 
ber of shells into the town. Five of the ene- 
my's gun boats and two gallies composing their 
centre division, stationed within the rocks, 
joined by the boats which had been driven in, 
and reinforced, twice attempted to row out and 
surround our gun boats, and prizes. They 
were so often foiled by the vigilaaee of the 



FREBLE. S^^ 

tieuiiiiodore, avIio gave signal to the brigs and 
schooners to cover them, which was properly 
attended to by these vessels, all of whieliwere 
gallantly conducted and annoyed the enemy ex- 
ceedingly. The fire of the Constitution had 
its ample share in this bombardment. It kept 
the eneujy's ilotilla in constant disorder and 
produced no inconsiderable eifect on shore. — 
The frigate was constantly in easy motion ; 
and always found where danger threatened to 
defeat the arrangements of the day. Several 
times she was within two cables' length of the 
roeks and three of the batteries, every one of 
which were successively silenced as often as 
her broadside could be brought to bear on 
them; but having no large vessels to secure 
these advantages, when circumstances com- 
pelled her to change her position, the silenced 
batteries were reanimated. AVe suffered most^ 
says the commodore, when wearing or tacking. 
It was then I most sensibly felt the want of 
another frigate. 

At half past four the wind inclining to the 
northward, and at the same time the enemy's 
ftotilla having retreated behind coverts which 
yfiielded them from our sliot, whilst our people 
were necessarily mnch exhausted by two hours 
and a half severe exertion, signal was given 
for the gun boats and bombs to retire from ac- 
tion ; and immediately after to the brigs and 
schooners to take the gun boats and their pri- 
zes in tow, which was handsomely executed, 
the whole covered by a heavy fire fiom the 
Constitution. In fifteen minutes the squadron 
was out ofcreach of the enemy's shot and the 



336 PREBLE. 

commodore hauled off to give tow to the homb- 
ketches. 

The squadron were more than two hours 
within grape shot distance of the enemy's bat- 
leries, and under a constant fire. But the da- 
mage received was in no proiiortion to the ap- 
parent danger; or to the effect produced by 
the assailants. The frigate took a thirty-two 
pound shot in her mainmast, about thirty feet 
from the deck, her sails and rigging were con- 
siderably cut; one of her quarter deck guns 
was injured by a round shot which burst in 
pieces and shattered a mariner's arm, but not 
a man was killed on board of lier. The other 
vessels and boats suffered in their rigging and 
had sundry men wounded, but lost none except 
lieutenant Decatur, the brother of the captain 
Decatur, so conspicuous in this war. Several 
circumstances explain this impunity of our 
squadron. Where the engagement was close 
as with the boats the impetuosity of the attack 
as well as our more dexterous use of the wea- 
pons of destruction overpowered and appalled 
the enemy. The barbarians are unskilful gun- 
ners. The shower of grape shot annoyed and 
discomposed them rn the application of what 
little skill they possessed. The assailing party 
were so near as to be overshot by the batte- 
ries ; especially as the managers of the guns 
were so fearful of exposing their heads above 
the parapets as easily to oversight their object, 
t^Gvy different was the result of this conflict 
to the enemy. The American fire was not an 
empty peal, but a messenger of death in every 
direction. The three captured boats had one 



PREBLE. ^r 

liUiiilred and three men on board, forty-sevcR 
of whom were killed, twenty-six wounded, and 
thirty only fit for duty. Three other boats 
were suak with their entire erews, and the 
decks of their vessels in the harbor were swept 
of numbers. The effect on shore was not so 
great as in the shipping, but still such as to 
spread consternation. Several Turks were 
killed and wounded, and many guns of the 
forts dismounted, and the town was conside- 
rably damaged. 

The burning of the Philadelphia could not 
Hiil to make the bashaw and his people appre- 
hend something serious from the present com- 
mander. When the squadron was seen stand- 
ing in, however, he affected contempt, and sur- 
veying them from his palace, observed, " they 
will mark their distance for tacking ; they are 
a sort of Jews, who have no notion of fighting." 
The palace and terraces of the houses were co- 
vered with spectators to see the chastisement 
ihc bashaw's boats would give the squadron, if 
they approached too near. This exultation 
was very transient. The battle was scarcely 
joined, when no one was seen on shore, except 
on the batteries. Many of the inhabitants iled 
into the country, and the bashav/, it is said, 
retreated with his priest to his bomb proof 
r^om. An intelligent officer of the Philadel 
phia tlien in captivity, observes that ihQ Turks 
asked if those men that fought so, were Ame- 
ricans or infernals in cliristian shape sent to 
destroy the sons of the prophet. Tlic English, 
French and Spanish consuls, say they, have 
inld us that Uicv are a young nation, and go>* 
pf ' 



.53-S PREBLE. 

vthcip independence by means of France ; thiit 
they had a small navy and their oiHoers were 
inexperienced, and that they were merely u 
nation of merchants, and tiiat by taking their 
ships and men we should get great ransoms. — 
Instead of this, their Preble pays us a coin of 
shot, shells, and hard blows, and sent a Deca- 
tur in a dark night with a band of christian 
dogs, fierce and cruel as the tyger, who killed 
our brothers and burnt our ships before our 
eyes. 

On the 5tU August the commodore prevailed 
on a French privateer which had left Tripoli 
that morning, to return with fourteen wounded 
Tripolines, whose wounds had been carefully 
dressed, and whom the commodore sent with a 
letter to the bashaw's minister. These prison- 
ers, it is said, informed the prince that the 
Americans in battle were fiercer than lions, 
but. in the treatment of their captives were 
even more kind than the mussulman. The 
barbarian at first misunderstood the motive of 
sending these men, but afterwards professed to 
be pleased with the act, and said if he took 
Hjny wounded Americans, thiy should be like- 
wise returned ; but he would not restore any 
of the Philadelpiiia's crew. On the 7th the 
privateer returned with a letter from the 
French consul signifying that the bashaw had 
very much lowered his tone ; and would pi*o- 
bably treat on reasonable terms. But nothing 
definite or saisfactory being proposed by the 
enemy, and the terms intimated being higher 
than the commander was willing or felt autho- 
s'ised to make, he prepared for a second attack. 



PEEBLE. 33^ 

The bomb vessels under lieutenants Crane and 
Thorn were to take a station in a small bay 
west of the town, whence they could distress 
the town, without being much exposed them- 
selves ,* the gun boats were to be opposed to a 
seven gun battery, and the brigs and schooners 
to support them in case the enemy's flotilla 
should venture out. At half past two the as- 
sault was made. Within two hours six of the 
seven guns were silenced. Forty-eight shells 
and about five hundred round shot, twenty-four 
pounders, were thrown into the town and bat- 
teries, when between five and six P. M. the 
squadron retired from^ction. During the en- 
gagement, the enemy's gun boats and gallies 
manoeuvred to gain a position to cut off the 
retreat of ours ; but the larger vessels were 
so arranged as to defeat their design. 

In this rencounter, at about half past 3, one 
of the prize boats was blown up by a hot 
shot from the enemy's battery, which passed 
through her magazine. She had on board 
twenty-eight oificers, seamen and marines, ten 
of whom were killed and six wounded, among 
the former were Mr. James Caldwell, first 
lieutenant of the Siren, and Mr. J. Dorsey, 
midshipman. Mr. Spence, midshipman and 
eleven men Avere taken up unhurt. 

It was afterwards ascertained that the ene- 
my suffered less at this time than on the third. 

The commodore had for some time contem- 
plated sending a fire ship into the harbor to 
destroy the flotilla, and at the same time throw 
a quantity of shells into the town. Captain 
Somers volunteered in this service, and with 



2m FKEBLE. 

the assistance of lieutenants Wadsworth ami 
Israel, fitted out the ketch Intrepid for this 
expedition. An hundred barrels of gun pow- 
der, and one hundred and fifty fixed shells were 
placed in the hold, with fuses and combusti- 
bles so applied as to fire them without endan- 
gering tlie retreat of the adventurers. On the 
evening of the fourth September, captain So- 
mers chose two fast rowing boats from the 
squadron, to bring off the people, having fired 
the vessel. His own boat was manned by four 
seamen from the Nautilus with lieutenant 
Wadsworth and six men from the Constitu- 
tion. At eight they parted from the squadron 
and stood into the harbour, convoyed by the 
Argus, Vixen, and Nautilus to within a sliort 
distance of the batteries. Having gained the 
inner harbour, and near at the point of desti- 
nation, she was boarded and carried by two 
gallies of one hundred men each. At this mo- 
ment, she exploded. The effect was awful. — 
Every battery wa« silenced and not a gun was 
iired afterwards during t- e night. Captain 
Somers is said to have declared to a friend that 
in case he should be boarded, as was apprehen- 
sive, he would not be captured. There is every 
reason to believe that on the enemy proving 
successful, the captain seized a quick match 
and touched a train which communicated in- 
stant fire to the mine ; by which he and his 
brave companions found with the enemy a com- 
mon death. 

Nothing occurred after this till the two 
squadrons joined on the ninth of September. — 
j^ere ended Mr. Preble's command, so honor- 



PKEBL^o 341 

able to Limself, and in both its immediate and 
distant consequences important to his country. 

After the squadron joined the commodore ob- 
tained leave to return home, which he was the 
more willing to do, as it would give the com- 
mand of a frigate to captain Decatur. The 
officers joined hi an address to their late com- 
mander, containing the strongest expressions 
of attachment and respect. The congress of 
the United States voted the thi^nks of the na- 
tion and an emblematical medal, which were 
presented bj the piesident with empiiatic de- 
clarations of esteem aud admiration. 

When the consmodore returned he was re- 
ceived and treated every where with distin- 
guished attention. His countrymen showed 
that they were proud of his fame, and grateful 
for his services. From this time he was con- 
sulted and employed by the government in the 
management of their naval concerns. Peace 
was the next year made with Tripoli and tlie 
prisoners ransomed. 

He died on the 25th August, 1807, in the 
46th year of his age^ 

The person, air and countenance of commo- 
dore Preble answered to his character. His 
features expressed strong passions along with 
manly and generous feelings. His attitude was 
erect, yet easy and natural ; his step firm, and 
his whole appearance and port were noble and 
commanding* 

He had been several years married, and left 
a wife and one child, a son, to feel his loss and 
inherit the precious legacy of his honorable- 
aame, 

^f e... .. 



34^ PRIOLEAU: 

PRIOLEAU, Samuel, ^Yas a native cf 
Charleston, South Carolina. In the contest 
for our independence, he took an early and 
an active part, from which he never shrunk 
during the whole course of that memorahle 
struggle ; encountering with his countrymen 
a full share of its dangers ; and sustaining its 
vicissitudes " throughout those scenes that 
tried men's souls." After the fall of Charles- 
ton, he was numbered by the British with 
that band of patriots, whose constancy they 
attempted to subdue by the torture of exile, 
persecution and imprisonment. At St. Au- 
gustine he patiently and manfully sustained, - 
Avith his compatriots, all the siifJerings and in- 
dignities heaped upon them by the enemy.; 
while his wife and family of young children, 
stripped of all their means, were banished 
from their home, and transported to Phila- 
delphia. Firm, amidst these storms of ad- 
versity, he disdained to purchase from the 
enemy the smallest immunity or mitigation 
for himself or family, by abating a single 
sentiment in favor of his country, or by ceas- 
ing to be a bold and exemplary advocate for 
her independence. After the revolution he 
repaired, by a course of unabating industry, 
the ravages it had ma^ie on his fortune ; and 
maintained to the end of life the character of 
an honest upright man. In his private rela- 
tions he was justly endeared for his affection, 
tenderness, indulgence, and beneficence,* the* 
impressions of which will bmg remain, after 
^le lenient hand of time shall have assuaged; 



PULASKI. 345 

the poignancy of grief for the loss of siieh a 
husband, father and friend. 

He died in Charleston, on the 23d Marchj 
1813, in the seventy-first year of his age. 

PULASKI, (eoiir>t.) This gallant soldier 
was a native of Poland, whose disastrous his- 
tory is well known. Vainly struggling to re- 
store the lost independence of his country, he 
was forced to seek personal safety by its aban- 
donment. Piilaski, with a few men, in the yeai* 
1771, carried off king Stanislaus from the mid-^ 
die of his eapitol, though surrounded by a nu^ 
merous body of guards, and a Russian army.— 
The king soon escaped and declared Pulaski aw 
outlaw. Hearing of the glorious struggle in 
which we were engaged, he hastened to the 
wilds of America, and associated himself with 
our perils and our fortune. Congress honared 
him with the commission of brigadier general) 
with a view, as was rumored, of placing him 
at the head of the American cavalry, the line 
of service in which he had been bred. But his 
ignorance of our language, and the distaste of 
our officers to foreign superiority, stifled this 
project. He was then authorised to raise a 
legionary coi^)s, appointing his own officers. 

Indefatigable and persevering, the count 
collected about twa hundred infantry and two 
hundred horse, made up of all sorts, chiefly 
of german deserters. His officers were gene- 
rally foreign, with some Americans. With 
this assemblage, the count took the field i 
and after serving some time in the norlhensr 
army, he was sent to the south, and fell at^ 
the battle of Savannah, He was sober, dili^ 



34* PULASKI. 

gent and intrepid, gentlemanly in his man* 
ners, and amiable in iieart. He was very re- 
servtjd, and, when alone, betrayed strong evi- 
dence of deep melancholy. Those who knew 
him intimately, spoke highly of the sublimity 
of his virtue, and the constancy of his friend- 
ship. Commanding' this heterogeneous corps 
badly equijiped ami worse mounted, this brave 
Pole encountered diillicully and sought danger. 
Nor have I the smallest doubt if he had been 
conversant in our larsguage, and better ac- 
quainted with our customs and country, but 
that he would have become one of our most 
conspicuous and useful oiRcers. 

General Lee, to whom we are indebted for 
this sketcli, gives the following account in his 
memoirs, of the attack on Savannah, where it 
Avill be found the intrepid Pulaski snade a gal- 
lant effort to retrieve the fortune of the day. 

" On the ninth of Octolier, 1779, the allied 
troops under the cou^it d'Estaing and general 
Lincoln, moved to the assault. The serious 
stroke having been committed to two columns, 
one was led by d'Estaing and Lincoln united, 
the other by count Dillon ; the third column 
moved upon the enemy's centre and left, first 
to attract attention, and lastly to press any 
advantage which might be derived from the 
assault by our left. 

<« The troops acted well their parts and the 
issue hung for some time suspended. Dillon's 
column, mistaking its route in the darkness 
of the morning, failed in co-operation, ax! 
very much reduced the force of the attack ; 
while d'Estaing and Lincoln, concealed by the- 



PULASKI. ^B 

same darkness, drew with advantage near the 
enemy's lines undiscovered. Notwithstanding 
this loss of concert in assault hy the two co^ 
limns destined to carry the enemy, noble and 
determined was the advance. The front of 
the first was greatly thinned by the foe, sheK 
tered in his strong and safe defences, and aided 
by batteries operating not onlv in front but ia 
flank. 

^* Regardless of the fatal fire from their co- 
vered enemy, this unappalled column, led bj 
Lincoln and d'Estaing, forced the abbatis and 
planted their standards on the parapet. AH 
was gone, could this lodgment have been sus- 
tained. Maitland's comprehensive eye saw the 
menacing blow; and his rigorous mind seized 
the means of warding it off. He drew from 
the disposable force, the grenadiers and ma- 
rines, nearest to the point gained. This unit- 
ed corps under lieutenant colonel Glazier as- 
sumed with joy the arduous task to recover 
the lost ground. With unimpaired strength 
it fell upon the worried head of the victo- 
rious column ; who,^ though piercing the ene- 
my in one point, had not spread atong the pa- 
rapet ; and the besieged bringing up superior 
force, victory was suppressed in its birth. — 
The triumphant standards were torn down ; 
and the gallant soldiers, who had gone so far 
towards the goal of conquest, Avere tumbled 
into the ditch and driven through the abbatis. 
About the time that Maitland was preparing 
this critical movement, count Pulaski, at the 
head of two hundred horse, threw himself 
upon the works to force his way into the ea^ 



S46 PUTNAM. 

my's rear. Receiving a mortal woimd, thh 
brave officer fell ; and his fate arrested the 
gallant effort wliicli might have changed the 
issue of the day. Repulsed in every point of 
attack, the allied generals drew off their 
troops. The retreat was effected in good or- 
der ; no attempt to convert it into rout being 
luads by the British general. Count d'Estaing, 
who, with general Lincoln, had courted dan- 
ger to give effect to the assault, was wound- 
ed. Captain Tawes, of the provincial troops, 
signalized himself by his intrepidity in defend- 
ing the redoubts committed to his charge, the 
leading points of our assault. He fell dead at 
the gate, with his sword plunged into the body 
of the third enemy, whom he had slain." 

Pulaski died two days after the action, and 
congress resolved that a monument should be 
erected to his memory. 

PUTNAM, IsRAEi., a major general in 
the army of the United States, was born at 
Salem, Massachusetts^ January 7, 1718. His 
mind was vigorous, but it was never cultivated 
by education. When he for the first time went 
to Boston, he was insulted for his rusticity by 
a boy of twice his size. After bearing his sar- 
casms until his good nature was exhausted, he 
attacked and vanquished tlie unmannerly fellow 
to the great diversion of a crowd of spectators. 
In running, leaping, and wrestling, he almost 
always bore away the ]mze. In 1739 he re- 
moved to Pomfret, in Connecticut, where he 
cultivated a considerable tract of land. He 
had however to encounter many difficulties, 
and among his troubles the depredations of. 



PUTNAM. 347 

n'olTes upon liis slieepfold was not the least. — 
In one night seventy fine sheep and goats Were 
killed. A she wolf, who, with her annual 
wiielps had for several years infested the vici- 
nity, being considered as the principal cause of 
the havoc, Mr. Putnam entered into a combi- 
nation with a number of his neighbors to hunt 
alternately, till they should destroy her. At 
length the hounds drove her into her den, and 
a number of persons soon collected with guns, 
straw, fire and sulphur, to attack the common 
enemy. But the dogs were afraid to approach 
her, and the fumes of brimstone could not force 
Jier from the ca ern. It was now ten o'clock 
at night. Mr. Putnam proposed to his black 
servant to descend into the cave and slioi.t the 
wolf; but as the negro declined, he resolved to 
do it himself. Having divested himself of his 
coat and waistcoat, and having a long rope 
fastened round his legs, by which he might be 
|>ulled back at a concerted signal, he entered 
the cavern head foremost with a blazing torch, 
made of strips of birch bark, in his hand. He 
descended fifteen feet, passed along horizon- 
tally ten feet, and then began the gradual as- 
cent, which is sixteen feet in length. He slowly 
proceeded on his hands and knees in an abode, 
which was silent as the house of death. Cau- 
tiously glancing forwards, he discovered the 
glaring eyeballs of the wolf, who started at the 
sight of his torch, gnashed her teeth, and gave 
a sullen growl. He immediately kicked the 
rope, and was drawn out with a friendly cele- 
rity and violence, which not a little bruised 
him. Loading his gun with nine buck shot^ 



34« WJTNAM. ' 

and carrying it in one hand, while he held the 
torch with the other, he descended a second 
time. As he approached tlie wolf, she howled, 
rolled her eyes, snapped her teeth, dropped her 
head between her legs, and was evidently on 
the point of springing at him. At this mo- 
ment he fired at her head, and soon found him- 
self drawn out of the cave. Having refreshed 
himself he again descended, and seizing the 
wolf by her ears kicked the rope, and his com- 
panions above with no small exultation drag- 
ged them both out together. 

During the French war he was appointed to 
command a company of the first troops, which 
were raised in Connecticut in 1755. He ren- 
dered much service to the army in the neigh- 
borhood of Crown point. In 1756, while near 
Ticonderoga, he was repeatedly in the most 
imminent danger. He escaped in an adventure 
of one night with twelve bullet holes in his 
blanket. In August he was sent out with se- 
vc^ral hundred men to watch the motions of the 
enemy. Being ambuscaded by a party of equal 
numbers, a general but irregular action took 
place. Putnam had discharged his fusee se- 
veral times, but at length it missed fire while 
its muzzle was presented to the breast of a sa- 
vage. The warrior with his lifted hatchet 
and a tremendous war-whoop compelled him to 
surrender, and then bound him to a tree. In 
the course of the action the parties changed 
their position, so as to bring this tree directly 
between them. The balls flew by him inces- 
santly ; many struck the tree, and some pass- 
ed through his elolhcs. The enemy now gain- 



# 



f:l possession of the ground, but being after- 
ivards driven from the field they cfiiTietl their 
prisoners with them. At night he was stripp. 
ed, and a fire was kindled to roast him alive ; 
but a French ofilcer saved him. The next day 
he arrived at Ticonderoga, and thence he was 
carried to Montreal. About the year 1759 he 
was exchanged througli the ingenuity of his 
fellow prisoner, colonel Schuyler. When peac^ 
took place he returned to his farm. He was 
ploughing in his field in 1775, when he heard 
the news of the battle of Lexington. He im- 
mediately unyoked his team, left his plough oa 
the spot, and without changing his clothes set 
off for Cambridge. He soon went back to Con- 
necticut, levied a regiment and repaired again 
to the camp. In a little time he was promot- 
ed to the rank of major general. In the battle 
of Bunker's hill he exhibited his usual interpi- 
dity. He directed the men to reserve their 
fire, till the enemy was very near, reminded 
-them of their skill, and told them to take 
good aim. They did so, and the execution 
was terrible. After the retreat he made a 
stand at Winter hill and drove back the ene- 
my under cover of their ships. When the 
army was organized by general Washington 
at Cambridge, Putnam was appointed to com- 
mand tlie reserve. In August 177(5, he was 
stationed at Brooklyn, on Long Island. After 
ilie defeat of our army on the twenty-seventh 
of that month, he went to New York and was 
very serviceable in the city and neighborhood. 
In October or November he was sent to Phila- 
ilclphia to fortify that city. In January 1777 



5t>0 PUTNAM. 

lie Avas directed to take pos4 at Princeiou. 
^vhere he continued until spring. At this place 
a sick prisoner, a captain, requested that a 
friend in tlie British army at Brunswick 
might he sent for to assist him in making his 
will. Putnam was perplexetl. He had hut 
iifty men under his command, and he did not 
wish to have his weakness known ; yet he was 
unwilling to deny the request. He however 
sent a flag of truce, and tlirected the oflieer to 
he brought in the night. In the evening lights 
were placed in all the college windows, and in 
every apartment of the vacant houses through- 
out the town. The officer on his return re- 
ported that general Putnam's army could not 
eonsist of less than four or five thousand men. 
Tn the spring he was appointed to the coju- 
mand of a separate army in the highlands of 
New York. One Palmer, a lieutenant in the 
lory new levies, was detected in the camp j go- 
vernor Tr} on reclaimed him as a British offi- 
cer, threatening venji^eance if he was not rc- 
•^tored. General Putnam wrote the following 
pithy reply ; 

<« Sir, Nathan Palmer, a lieutenant in your 
king's service, was taken in my camp as a spy ; 
he was tried as a spy ; he was condemned as a 
spy ^ and he shall he hanged as a spy. 

Israel Putxam." 
•'•' P. S. Afternoon. He i^ hanged." 
After the loss of fort Montgomery, the com- 
mander in chief determined to huild another 
fortification, and he directed Putnam to fix 
upon a spot. To him helongs the praise of 
; having chosen West Point, The campaign ef 



QUINCY. 35% 

1779, which was principally spent in strength- 
ening the works at this place, finished the mi- 
litary career of Putnam. A paralytic' affec- 
tion impaired the activity of his hody, and he 
passed the remainder of his days in retire- 
ment, retaining his relish for enjoyment, his 
love of pleasantry, his strength of memory^ 
and all the faculties of his mind. He died at 
Brookline, Connecticut, May 29, 1790, aged 
seventy-two years. 

QUINCY, JosiATi, a distinguished patriot, 
was graduated at Harvard college in 1763, 
and afterwards became an eminent counsellor 
at law^ in Boston. He distinguished himself 
in 1770 by his defence with Mr. John Adams 
of captain Preston, who commanded the Bri- 
tish troops at tlie Boston massacre, and who 
was brought to trial in October. He opposed 
with firmness and zeal the arbitrary proceed- 
ings and claims of the British parliament. In 
September 177* he sailed for England at the 
request of several of his fellow patriots to pro- 
mote the interests of America^ Some interest- 
ing extracts from his journal are preserved by 
Gordon. He set sail on his return the follow- 
ing year, but lie died en board the vessel on the 
very day of its arrival at cape Ann, April 24, 
4775, aged thirty-one years. He fell a vic- 
tim to his zeal for his country's good. Learn- 
ed and eloquent as a lawyer, he was also an 
able political writer. He published observa- 
tions on the act of parliament, commonly 
called the Boston port bill, with thoughts on 
civil society and standing armies, 1774. This 
pamphlet evir.cea-a bold and decided spirit,-- -^ 



353 RANDOLPH— REEB. 

The author was apprehensive that a terrihk 
struggle was about to take place, and lie had 
juade up his mind for it. He closes his tract 
\nth saying, " America has her Bruti and 
Cassii, her Hamhdens and Sidneys, patriots 
and heroes, Avho will form a band of brothers ^ 
men, who will have memories and feelings, 
courage and swords ; courage, that shall in- 
flame their ardent bosoms till their hands 
cloave to their swords, and their swords to 
their enemies' hearts. 

RANDOLPH, Peyton, first President of 
Congress, was a native of Virginia, of whlcl^ 
colony he was attorney general as early a* 
1756. In this year he formed a company of a 
hundred gentlemen, who engaged as volunteers. 
against the Indians. He was afterwards speak- 
er of the house of burgesses. Being appointed 
one of the deputies to the first congress in the 
year 1774, he was on the fifth of September 
elected its president. He was also chosen pre- 
sident of the second congress May 10, 1775 ; 
but on the twenty fourth, as he was obliged to 
return to Virginia, Mr. Hancock was placed in 
the chair. Mr. Randolph afterwards took his 
seat again in congress. He died at Philadel- 
phia of an apoplectic stroke, October 22, 1775, 
aged fiity two years. 

REED, Joseph, President of the state of 
Pennsylvania, was graduated at the college of 
New Jersey in 1757. He was appointed in '74 
one of the committee of correspondence of 
Philadelphia, and was afterwards president of 
the convention. Engaging with zeal in the 
cause of Iris country at the commeneement of 



•^llA \xri\T 



HEED. 



the war witlf Great Britain, lie repaired lotlic 
camp at Cambridge in July 1775, and was ap- 
pointed aid de cair.p of Washington. In the 
iblloM'ing year he was made adjutant general 5 . 
but under the disasters of 1776 liis firmness 
failed him, and he was on tlie point of relin- 
quishing tlie cause, which he iiad engaged to 
support. His piivaloletters were full ofgloom, 
and even censured tite commander in chief for 
want of decision. Tlie aUVsr of Trenton how- 
ever, and subsequent successes revived his for- 
titude and courage. His firmness afterwards 
on trying occasions and his incorruptible inte- 
grity threw a veil over his m.omcntary weak- 
ness. In May 1778', when he was a member of 
congress, the tliree commissioners from En- 
gland arrived in America. Governor John- 
stone, one of them, addressed private letters to 
Francis Dana, Robert Morris, and Mr. Reed, 
to secure their influence towards the restora- 
tion of harmony, giving to the two latter, inti- 
mations of honors and emoluments. But he 
addressed himself to men, who were firm in 
their attachment to Americao Mr. Reed had 
a yet severer trial, for as his former despond- 
ence was known, direct propositions were made 
to him in June by a lady, supposed to be Mrs„ 
Ferguson, wife of Dr, Adam Ferguson, secre- 
tary to the Commissioners, who assured him 
as from governor Johnstone, tliat ten thousand 
pounds serling, and the best office in tlie gift of 
the crown in America should be at his disposal, 
if he could effect a reunion of the two coun- 
tries. He replied, " That he was not worth 
pi^rckasing ; hut such as he was^ the king of 



35* KITTENHOUSE. 

Great Britain was not rich enough to do itJ^- — 
In October 1778 he was chosen president of 
Pennsylvania, and he continued in this office 
till October 1781. He died March 5, 1785, in 
the forty-third year of his age. He published 
remarks on governor Johnstone's speech in 
Parliament, with authentic papers relative to 
fcis proposition, 6lc. 1779 ; and remarks on a 
publication in the independent gazeteer, with a 
short address to the people of Pennsylvania, 

MTTENHOUSE, David, x. i. d. f. r. s. 
an eminent philosopher, was descended from 
ancestors who emigrated from Holland, and 
was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania, April 
8, 1732. The early part of his life was spent 
in agricultural employment ; and his plough, 
the fences, and even the stones of the field were 
marked with figures, which denoted a talent 
for mathematical studies. A delicate consti- 
tution rendering hjra unfit for the labors of 
husbandry, he devoted himself to the trade of 
a clock and mathematical instrument-maker. 
Jn these arts he was his own instructor. Dur- 
ing his residence with his father in the coun- 
try, he made himself master of Newton's Prin- 
cipia, which he read in the English transla- 
tion of Mr. Mott. Here also he became ac- 
quainted with fiuxions, of which sublime inven- 
tion he believed himself, for some time, the 
first author. He did not know for some years 
afterwards, that a contest had been carried on 
between Newton and Leibnitz, for the honor of 
that great discovery. At the age of twenty- 
three, without education, and without advan- 
tages^ he became the rival of the two grcatesib 



RITTEiSHOtJSE. SF5- 

jnathematicians of Europe. In liis j'etired sf- 
tuation, "while working at his trade, he planned 
and executed an orrery, by which he represen- 
ted the revolutions oftlie hcaVcnly bodies, more 
completely than ever before had Ijeen done. — 
This master-piece of mechanism was purehas- 
ed by the college of New-Jersey. A second 
"was made by hiniy after the same model, for 
the use of the college of PhiladelpJiia, where 
it has commanded, for many years, the admira< 
iion of the ingenious and learned. In 1770, 
he was induced by the urgent request of some 
friends, who knew his merit, to exchange his 
beloved retirement for a residence in Philadel- 
phia. In this city he continued Lis employ- 
ment for several years ; and his clocks had a 
high reputation, and his mathematical instru- 
ments were thought superior to those imported 
from Europe. His first communication to the 
Philosophical Society of Philadelphia, of which 
he was elected a member, w as a calculation of 
the transit of Venus, so it was to happen June 
3, 1769. He was one of those appointed to 
observe it in the township of Norriton. This 
phenomenon had never been seen but twice be- 
fore by any inhabitant of our earth, and would 
never be seen again by any person then living. 
The day arrived, and there was no cloud in the 
horizon; the observers, in silent and trembling 
anxiety, waited for the predicted moment of 
observation ; it came, and in the instant of 
contact between the planet and sun, an emo- 
tion of joy so powerful was excited in the breast 
©f Mr. Rittenhouse, that he fainted. On the* 
iJtli of November following, he observed th£g 



S50 kitteniiouse; 

transit of Mercury. An account of these ob- 
servations Nvas publislied in the transactions of 
tlie Society. In 1775, he was appointed one 
of the commissioners for settling; a territorial 
dispute betVicen Pennsylvasiia and Virginiaj 
and to his talents, moderation, and firmness 
was ascribed in a great degree its satisfactory 
adjustment, in 1785. He assisted in determin- 
ing the western limits of Pennsylvania in 1784. 
and the northern line of the same state in 1786, 
He was also called upon to assist in fixing the 
boundary line between Massachusetts and New 
York, in 1787. In his excursions through the 
T^iiderness he carrie(t with him his habits of 
inquiry and observation. Nothing in our moun- 
tains, "soils, rivers, and springs, escaped bis no- 
tice. But the only records of wlmt he col- 
lected are private letters, and the memoirs of 
his friends. In 1791, he was chosen president 
of the Philosophical Society, as successor to 
Dr. Franklin, and was annually re-elected, till 
his death. His unassuming dignity secured to 
him respect. Soon ofter he accipted the pre- 
sident's chair he made to the Society a dona- 
tion of tliree hundicd pounds. He held the 
oiTice of treasurer of Pennsylvania, by an an- 
nual and unanimous vote of tlie legislature, 
from 1777 to 1789. In this period he declined 
purchasing the smallest portion of the public 
debt of the state, lest his integrity should be 
impeached. In 1792, he accepted the oiRice of 
director of the mint of the United States, but 
his ill state of health induced him to resign it 
m 1795. When the solitude of his study was 
I'&ndcred less agreeable by his indisposition,- 



RITTENHOUSE. 3^7 

iTiaii iii former years, he passed Lis evenings 
in reading or conversing \vith his wife and 
daughters. In his last illness, which was acute 
and short, he retained the usual patience and 
benevolence of his temper. He died June 26, 
1796, in the sixty-fifth year of his age, in the 
full belief of the Christian religion, and in the 
anticipation of clearer discoveries of the per- 
fections of God, in the eternal world. He was 
a man of extensive knowledge. Being inti- 
mately acquainted with the French, German 
r«;nd Dutch languages, he derived from them 
the discoveries of foreign nations. His mind 
was the repository of all ages and countries. 
He did not enjoy indeed the advantages of a 
public education, but his mind was not shack- 
led by its forms, nor interrupted in its pursuit 
of greater objects by the claims of subjects mi- 
nute and trifling. In his political sentiments 
Ite was a republican ; he was taught by his fa- 
ther to admire an elective and representative 
government : he early predicted the immense 
increase of talents and knowledge which would 
he irifused into the American mind by our re- 
publican institutions ; and, he anticipated the 
blessed effects of our revolution, in sowing the 
seeds of a new order of things in other parts 
of the world. He believed political as well 
a^s moral evil to be intruders into the society 
man. In Ihe more limited circles of private 
life, he commanded esteem and affection.. His 
house and manner of living exhibited the taste 
of a philosopher, the simplicity of a republi- 
can, and the temper of a Christian. His re- 
sgai^hes into natural philosophy gave him just 



358 HCTLEBGE. 

ideas of the Bivine pcrfcetions, for his miucf 
>vas not pre-oecupied in early life with the fie- 
lions of ancient poets, and the vices of the liea- 
then gods. But he did not confine himself to 
llie instructions of nature ^ he helieved the 
Christian Revelation. He observed as an ar- 
gument in favor of its truth, that the miracles 
of our Saviour differed from all pretended mi- 
racles in being entirely of a benevolent nature. 
The testimony of a man possessd of so exalted 
an understanding, outweighs the declarations 
of thousands. He died believing in a life to 
come^ and his body ^\as interred beneath his 
observatory house. He published an oration, 
delivered before the Philosophical Societyf 
1775, the subject of which is, the history of 
astronomy ; and a few memoirs on mathemati- 
cal and astronomical subjects, in the first four 
volumes of the transactions of the Society, 

MUTLEDGE, John, governor of South Ca- 
rolina, took an early and distinguished part in 
support of the liberties of his country at the 
commencement of the late revolution. He was 
a member of the first congress in 177*. When 
the temporary constitution of South Carolina 
w as established in Mr^rch 1776, he was appoint- 
ed its president, and commander in chief of the 
colony. He continued in this station till the 
adoption of the new constitution in March 1778 
to which he refused to give his assent. In 1779 
he was chosen governor, w ith the authority in 
conjunction with the council to do whatever the 
public safety required. He soon took the field 
at the head of the militia. All the energies of 
the state were called fox^th. During; the siege 



SCxVMMEL. SS9 

of Cliai'leston, at the request of general Lin- 
coln he left the cify, that the executive autho- 
rity might be preserved^ though the capital 
should fall. Having called a general assembly 
in January 1782, he addressed them in a speech 
in which he depicted the perfidy, rapine, and 
cruelty, which had sustained the British arms. 
An election of a new governor was then ren-^ 
dered necessary by the rotation established. 
Mr. Kutledge died January 23, 1800. He was 
a man of eminent talents, patriotism, decision 
and firmness. 

SCAMMEL, Alexander, Adjutant general 
of the American armies, and colonel of the fii-st 
regiment of ;^ew Hampshire. He commanded 
a chosen corps of light infantry, at the success- 
ful seige of York town, in Virginia, and while 
in the gallant performance of his duty, as field 
officer of the day, was unfortunately captured 
and afterwards wounded, of which wound lie 
died at Wiiliamsburg, Virginia, October 1781. 
He was an officer of uncommon merit, and of 
the most amiable manners ; and was sincerely 
regretted by all who had the pleasure of his 
acpuaintanee, and particularly by the officers 
of the American army. 

The following lines were written by colonel 
Humphreys, the day after the capitulation of 
lord Cornwallis, at York town, and placed on 
the tomb stone of colonel Scammel : 
" What tho* no angel glanc'd aside the ball, 
Nor allied arms pour'd vengeance for his fall ; 
Brave ScammeFs fame, to distant regions known, 
Shall last beyond this monumental stone. 
Which conqu'i'ing armies (from their toils return'd) 
.Reared to his glory, wliile his fate tliey moura'd^"" 



sap SCHAICK* 

^CHAICK, GoNSEN Tax, a brigadiei' geif? 
rai in the army of the United States, duping the 
revolutionary Avar, distinguished himself by 
burning the Onondaga Indian settlements.— 
The folloAving account of the expedition we 
copy from Marshal's life of Washington : 

<• The settlements of the Onondagas, one of 
the nearest hostile tribes of the Six Nations, 
lying about ninety miles from fort Schuyler, 
were supposed to be within the reach of a de- 
tachment from the garrison of that place. A 
plan for surprising their towns having been 
formed by general Schuyler, and approved by 
the commander in eliief, colonel Van Schaick, 
assisted by lieutenant colonel Wiilet and major 
Cochran, marched from fort Schuyler on the 
iiiorning of the 19th of April, at the head of 
between five and six hundred men. Proceed- 
ing with great dispatch and secrecy, partly 
by land and partly hy water, colonel Van 
Schaick, on tiie third day of his march, reach- 
ed the place of destination. 

** The utmost address was used in surround- 
ing as many of the settlements as possible at 
the same time ; but the alarm having been 
given on the first appearance of the Ameri- 
cans, and the towns being of considerable ex- 
tent, many of the Indians escaped in the woods. 
Twelve were killed, and thirty-four, inclu- 
ding one white man, were made prisoners. 
The houses and provisions were consumed by 
fire, and tlie horses and other stock were kil- 
led. About one hundred guns were broken or 
otherwise ruined; and the whole settlement 
was utterly dci>troyed. Having completely 



SCHUYLER. 361 

effected the object of the expedition, the de- 
tachment returned to fort Sehiijler on the 
sixth day, ^vithout having lost a single man. 
For this handsome display of talents as a par- 
tisan officer, the thanks of congress were vo- 
ted to colonel Van Schaick and the officers and 
soldiers under his command. 

" The cruelties exercised on the Wyoming 
and other settlements attacked by the Indians 
in the course of the proceeding campaign, had 
given a great degree of importance to this 
expedition ; and a deep interest was felt in its 
success." 

General Van Schaick died at Albany in July 
1789, aged fifty three years. 

SCHUYLER, PuiLiP, a major general in 
the revolutionary war, received this appoint- 
ment from Congress June 19, 1776. He was 
directed to proceed immediately from New- 
York to Ticonderoga, to secure the lakes, and 
to make preparations for entering Canada. — 
Being taken sick in September, the command 
devolved upon general Montgomery. On his 
recovery he devoted himself zealously to the 
management of the affairs in the northern de- 
partment. The superintendence of the Indian 
concerns claimed much o^ his attention. On 
the approach of Burgoyne in 1777, he made 
every exertion to obstruct his progress ; but 
the evacuation of Ticonderoga by St. Clair oc- 
casioning unreasonable jealousies in regard to 
Schuyler in New England, he was superceded 
by general Gates in August, and congress di- 
rected an inquiry to be made into bis conduct. 
It was a matter of extreme chagrin to him to 
n h 



362 SCREYEN. 

be recalled at the moment, Avlien lie was aLout 
to take grouml and to face the enemy. He af- 
terwards, though not in the regular service, 
rendered important services to his country in 
the military transactions of New York. He 
was a member of the old congress, and when 
the present government of the United States 
commenced its operation in 1789, he was ap- 
pointed with Rufus King, a senator from his 
native state. In 1797, he was again appointed 
a senator in the place of Aaron Burr. He died 
at Albany, November IS, 180*, in the seventy 
third year of his age. Distinguished by strength 
of intellect and upright intentions, he w as wise 
in the contrivance and enterprising and perse- 
vering in the execution of plans of public utili- 
ty. In private life he was dignified, but cour- 
teous, a pleasing and instructive companion, af- 
fectionate in his domestic relations, and just in 
all his dealings. 

SCREYEN, — , a brigadier general in 

Georgia, during the late Avar, commanded the 
militia, when that state was invaded from East 
Florida in November 1778. While a party of 
llic enemy was marching from Sunbury towards 
Savannah he had repeated skirmishes with 
them at the head of a hundred militia. In an 
engagement at Midway, the place of his resi- 
dence, he was wounded by a musket ball, and 
fell from his horse. Several of the British im- 
mediately came up and upbraiding him with the 
manner in which a captain Moore had been kil- 
led, discharged their pieces at him. He died 
soon afterwards of his wounds. Few ofiieers 
had done more for their country, and few mcj> 



SMITH. sesr 

were more esteemed and beloved for their vir* 
tiies in private life. 

SMITH, Jonathan Bayard, was born in 
the year 1741. In early life, he discovered 
talents for literature, which were cultivated 
with great assiduity and care at the Jersey 
College at which place, in the course of four 
years, he v. as the pupil of three successive 
Presidents, viz. Mr. Eiirr, Mi\ Edwards, and 
Mr. Davies. 

His preeminence in classical learning, com - 
znanded the attention of the last of his pre- 
ceptors, who conferred upon him the honor of 
delivering the salutary oration at the com- 
mencement, in which he graduated as batche- 
lor of arts, in the year 1760. After he left 
college, he applied himself to mercantile pur- 
suits, in which he wbs industrious and suc- 
cessful. In the year 177i, he deserted the 
counting house, and yielded himself to the 
claims of his country, both in the cabinet and 
field. At the battle of Princeton, where he 
commanded a company of militia, he displayed 
the cool and determined courage of a veteran 
in arms. The state honored him during the 
w^ar, and after the peace with several appoint- 
ments the duties of which, he executed with 
correctness and integrity. The last civil of- 
fice which he filled was that of Assistant Judge 
in the Court of Common Pleas. In this sta- 
tion, he discovered talents and knowledge, 
seldom found in gentlemen not educated to the 
profession of the law. 

For many years he was a trustee of the col- 
lege of New Jersey and the university of Penn^ 



564 SMITH. 

sylvania: in both of which situations, he was 
active, intelligent and useful. In short, he 
lived as if he considered himself public pro- 
perty : and, while private integritj, domestic 
and social kindness, genuine patriotism, true 
courage, the principles of the American revo- 
lution, and above all, a firm belief in the doc- 
trines of Christianity, and the uniform prac- 
tice of its just and benevolent principles: are 
estimable among men, and particularly in tlie 
United States, the name of Jonathan Bayard 
Smith, will be held in affectionate and grate- 
ful remembrance by his friends and countryo 

He died in Philadelphia 1812, and his fune- 
ral was attended by a large concourse of citi- 
zens, and particularly by the members of all 
the masonic lodges in the city. 

SMITH, Isaac, a judge of the Supreme 
court of New Jersey, was graduated at the col- 
lege in that state in 1755, and afterwards com- 
menced the practice of physic. From the be- 
ginning of the troubles with Great Britain he 
was distinguished for his patriotic services in 
the cause of his country. In 1776 he command- 
ed a regiment, and during the periods of gloom 
and dismay, he was firm and persevering. He 
associated valor with discretioli, the disciplined 
spirit of the soldier with the sagacity of the 
statesman. Soon after the termination of the 
struggle, he received his appointment as judge, 
and for eighteen years discharged the arduous 
duties of that station. After the present con- 
stitution of the United States was formed, he 
was a member of the house of representatives. 
Endowed with fine talents^ and having enjoyed 



STEUBEN— &ULLIVAN. 36^ 

a classical education, he united the character 
of a christian, scholar, soldier, and gentleman. 

He died August 29, 1807, in the sixty eighth 
year of his age, in hope of mercy through the 
Redeemer. 

STEUBEN, Freberick William, a major 
general in the American army,^ was a Prussian 
officer, who served many years in the armies 
of the great Frederick, was one of his aids, and 
had iicld the rank of lieutenant general. He 
arrived in New Hampshire from Marseilles in 
Novemher 1777, with strong recommendations 
to congress. He claimed no rank, and only re- 
quested permission to render as a v( 
what services he could to the America 
He was soon appointed to the office of ii 
general with the rank of major general 
estahlished a uniform system of man< 
and hy his skill and persevering industr 
ed during the continuance of the troops 
ley Forge, a most important improve] 
all ranks of the army. He was a volunteer m 
the action at Monmouth, and commanded in 
the trenches of York town on the day which 
concluded the struggle with Great Britain. — 
The Baron died at Steuhenville, New York, 
Novemher 28, 1794, aged sixty one yeais. He 
was an accomplished gentleman and a virtuous 
citizen ,• of extensive knowledge and sound judg- 
ment. 

SULLIVAN, John, a major general in the 
American army, was the eldest son of Mr. Sul- 
livan who came from Ireland, and settled iu 
Massachusetts. In 1775 congress appointed him 
a brigadier general, and in the following year^ 



366 vSULLIVAN. 

it is believed, a major general. He superced- 
ed Arnold in the command of the army in Ca- 
nada, June 4, 1776, but was soon driven out of 
that province. Afterwards on the illness of 
Greene he took the command of his division on 
XiOng Island. In the battle of August the twen- 
ty seventh he was taken prisoner. In a few 
months, however, he was exchanged ; for when 
Lee was carried off, he took the command of 
his division in New Jersey. On the twenty se- 
cond of August 1777 he planned and executed 
an expedition against Staten Island, for which 
on enquiry into his conduct he received the ap- 
probation of the court. In September he was 
engaged in the battle of Brandywine, and on 
Ihe fourth of October in that of Germantown. 
In the winter he was detached to command the 
troops in Rhode Island. In August 1778 he 
laid seige to Newport, then in the hands of the 
British, with the fullest confidence of success ; 
hut being abandoned by the French fleet under 
D*Estai«g, who sailed to Boston, he was ob- 
liged to his unutterable chagrin, to raise the 
sei:^e. On the twenty ninth an action took place 
with the pursuing eneojiy, who were repulsed. 
On the thirtietli with great military skill, he 
passed over to the continent, without the loss 
of a single article, and without the slighest sus- 
picion on the part of the British of his move- 
ments. In the summer of 1779 he commanded 
an expedition against the six nations of Indians. , 

The following accoant of the expedition we 
oopy from Ramsay •: 

" For the permanent security of the^front'er 
inhabitants^ it was resolved in the vear 1779 te 



SULLIVAN. 

carry a decisive expedition into the 
country. A considerable body of coni 
troops was selected for this purpose, fi 
under the command of General SuUiva 
was joined by the American general 
with upwards of 1000 men. TJie latt( 
his way down the Susquehannah by a s 
Gontrivance. The stream of water 
river was too low to float his batttaii 
remedy this inconvenience, he raise 
great industry a dam across the mouth 
Lake Otsego, which is one of the sou 
the river Susquehannah. Tlie lake bei 
stantly supplied by springs soon rose 
height of the dam. General Clinton 
got his batt^aux ready, opened a 
through the dam for the water to flow 
raised the river so high that he was en 
embark all his troops and to float the 
to Tioga. By this exertion they soor 
Sullivan. The Indians on hearing of 
pedition projected against them act< 
iirmness. They collected their strengtu, luon. 
possession of proper ground, and fortified it 
with judgment. Gen. Sullivan attacked them 
in their works. They stood a cannonade for 
more than two hours but then gave way. This 
engagement proved decisive : After the trench- 
es were forced, the Indians fled without ma- 
king any attempt to rally. They Mere pur- 
sued for some miles but without effect. The 
consternation occasioned among them by this 
defeat was so great, that they gave up all ideas 
of farther resistance As the Americans ad° 
vancedintQ their settlements, the Indians re- 



268 SULLIVAN. 

treated before tliem, m ithoiit throAving any ob- 
structions in their Avay. Gen. Sullivan pene- 
trated into the heart of the country inhabited 
by the Mohawks, and spread desolation every 
where. Many settlements in the form of towns 
were destroyed, besides detached habitatJQns. 
All their fields of corn, and of whatever was 
in a state of cultivation, underwent the same 
fate. Scarce any thing in the form of a house 
w as left standing, nor was an Indian to be seen*/ 
To the surprise of the Americans, they found 
the lands about the Indian towns well culti- 
vated, and their houses both large and com- 
jnodiaus. Orchards in whixih were several hun- 
dred fruit trees were cut down, and of them 
many appeared to have been planted for a long 
series of years. Their gardens, which were 
enriched with great quantities of useful vege* 
tables of different kinds, were laid waste. The 
Americans were so full of resentment against 
the Indians, for the many outrages they had 
suffered from tliem, and so bent on making 
the expedition decisive, that the officers and 
soldiers cheerfully agreed to remain till they 
had fully completed the destruction of the set- 
tlement. 

** In about three months from his setting out,. 
Sullivan reached Easton in Pennsylvania, and- 
soon after rejoined the army." 

In the years 1786, 1787, and 1789, general 
Sullivan was president of New Hampshire, in 
which station by his vigorous exertions he quel- 
led the spirit of insurrection, which exhibited 
itself at the time of the troubles in Massachu- 
setts. He died January 33, 1795^ aged fifty 
four years.. 



THAYEK. 369 

THAYER, Simeon, was born in Mendon. 
Massachusetts, 1738. When in his twenty 
seventh year, resistance to Great Britain be- 
came necessary, the determination of Thayer 
to take tlie fiekl was anticipated by the sponta* 
neous offer of the command of a company in 
colonel Hilclicork's regiment of Rhode Island, 
about to be detached to the American army 
before Boston. Thayer's merit soon attract- 
ed attention : and ^yhen Washington projected 
the arduous enterprise against Quebec, com- 
mitted to the direction of colonel Arnold for 
the purpose of co-operating with Montgomery', 
the choice spirits of his army were selecJed 
for the expedition. Thayer could not of course 
be overlooked : he marced under Arnold at 
the head of a company, exhibiting, through- 
out the operation, peculiar fitness in mind and 
body to meet danger and difficulty. The fall 
of Montgomery being soon followed by our re- 
pulse, Thayer was made prisoner, bravely 
struggling to carry the second barrier, and 
experienced in common with his comrades the 
beneficence extended by sir G. Carleton to 
the American prisoners,— so truly honorable 
to the heart and to the head of the British 
general. Captain Thayer rejoined his regi- 
ment as soon as he was exchanged, and went 
through the war, adding to his stock of mili- 
tary reputation whenever opportunity offered. 
He served generally under Washington, by 
whom he was highly respected. 

He was honored by the commander in chief 
for his conduct in the defence of Mud Island. 
It is but justice to add, that the assumption 



570 THAYER. 

of the command in the desperate conilitiou: 
to which the island was reduced, was iji con- 
sequence of the voluntary request of major 
Thayer, displaying as much magnanimity as 
gallantry. 

It was known that the Island must soon fall: 
to defend it to the last moment, and then to 
save the garrison, w^s the hest wliicli could be 
done. Few presumed this practicable ; and 
fewer were disposed to undertiike the hazar- 
dous task. Now Thayer offered himself to 
brigadier Varnum, commanding our force in 
New Jersey, which was joyfully accepted ; and 
the gallant major as joyfully repaired to his 
post. 

In the battle of Monmouth the corps to 
which Thayer was attached was closely engag- 
ed ; in wiiicli contest he was wounded' by a 
cannon ball, which deprived i.im of the sight 
of the eye on the side it passed. 

Concluding his military life with the war, 
he returned to Providence ; carrying with him 
tlie esteem of his fellow soldiers, the gratitude 
of his country, the admiration of the witnesses 
of his exploits, and the immutable approbation 
of the commander in chief. Here he continued 
to deck the laurels he had acquired in the field 
of battle by his benevolence, his sincerity, his 
constancy in virtue, and his modesty in deport- 
ment. 

The legislature of Rhode Island honored 
him with the commission of major general in 
lier militia, which he held to his death. In 
4796 general Thayer removed from Provi- 
dence to his farm in the township of Cumber 



THOMAS— WARD. 3^1 

laiid, where he spent his last years iii the ex- 
elusive oceiipations of agriculture. Enjoying 
good health, with universal esteem, he closed 
his honorable life, after a short illness, at 
home, on the 21st day of October, 1800, in the 
sixty-third year of his age, leaving one son 
and one daughter. His remains were brought 
to Providence and interred in the north pres- 
byterian burying ground. His grave is distin- 
guished by a plain white marble slab ; emble- 
matic of his deportment through life, and spot- 
less as was his virtue. 

THOMAS, John, a major general in the 
American army, was an officer Avho acquired 
reputation in the French Avar Avhich ended 
Avith the peace of Paris in 1763. He Avas one 
of the best officers of our army in 1775, and 
commanded the division nearest the British 
lines in Roxbury. When Boston Avas evacuat- 
ed he Avas sent to Canada, to take the command 
of the troops Avhich Montgomery and Arnold 
led into that province. A more brave, beloved 
and distinguished character, did not go into the 
iield, nor Avas there a man that made a greater 
sacrifice of liis own ease, liealth and social en- 
joyments. He died of the small pox, June 30, 
1776. 

WARD, Artemas, the first major general 
in the American army, Avas graduated at Har- 
vard college in 1743, and Avas afterwards a re- 
presentative in tiie legislature, a member of the 
council, and a justice of the court of common 
pleas for Worcester county, Massachusetts. — 
When the Avar commenced with Great Britain 
ho was appointed by congress first major gene- 



sr^ WARREN. 

yal June 17, 1775. After the arrival of Wash- 
ington in July, when disposition was made of 
the troops for the siege of Boston, the com- 
mand of the right wing of the army at Rox- 
bury was entrusted to general Ward. He re- 
signed his commission in April 1776, thougli 
he continued some time longer in command at 
tlie request of Washington. He afterwards de- 
voted himself to the duties of civil life. He 
was a member of congress both before and 
after the adoption of the present constitution. 
After a long decline, in which he exhibited tlie 
most exemplary patience, he died at Shrews- 
bury October 28, 1800, aged seventy-three 
years. He was a man of incorruptible integ- 
ri^^. So fixed and unyielding were the prin 
cijfies, which governed him, that his conscien- 
tiousness in lesser concerns was by some ascrib- 
ed to bigotry. 

WARREN, Joseph, a major general in the 
American army, was born in Roxbury in 1740^, 
and was graduated at Harvard college m 1759. 
Directing his attention to medical studies, he'' 
in a few years became one of the most eminent 
physicians in Boston, But he lived at a pe- 
riod, when greater objects claimed his atten- 
tion, than those, which related particularly to 
his profession. His country needed his efforts, 
and his zeal and courage would not permit him 
to slirink from any labors or dangers. His 
eloquence and his talents as a writer, were dis- 
played on^nany occasions from tlie year in 
which the stamp act was passed to the com- 
mencement of the w ar. He was a bold politi- 
cian. While many were wavering witJi regard 



WAEREN. 373 

io tiio measures which shouhl he adopted, he 
contended that every kind ol* taxation, whether 
external or internal, was tyranny, and ought 
jmmediately to be resisted ; and he believed 
that America was able to withstand any force 
that could be sent against her. From the year 
1768, he was a principal member of a secret 
3neeting or caucus, in Boston, which had great 
influence on the concerns of the country.— 
With all his boldness, and decision> and zeal, 
he was circumspect and wise. In this assem- 
bly the plans of defence were matured. After 
thQ destruction of the tea, it was no longer 
kept a secret. He was twice chosen the public 
orator of the town, on the anniversary of the 
massacre, and his orations breathe the energy 
of a. great and daring mind. It was he, who 
on the evening before the battle of Lexington 
obtained information of the intended expedi- 
tion against Concord, and at ten o'clock at 
night dispatched an express to Messrs. Han- 
cock and Adams, who were at Lexington, to 
warn them of their danger. He himself on tlie 
next day, the memorable nineteenth of April, 
was very active. It is said in general Heath's 
memoirs, that a ball took off part of his ear- 
lock. In the confused state of the army, 
which soon assembled at Cambridge, he had 
vast influence in preserving order among the 
troops. After the departure of Hancock to 
congress, he was chosen president of the pro- 
vincial congress in his place. Four days pre- 
vious to the battle of Bunker's or Breed's hill, 
he received his commission of major general. 
When the intrenchments were made upon the 
I i 



S74 WARREN. 

fatal spot, to encourage the men >vjthin tlie 
lines, he >vent down from Cambridge and join- 
ed them as a volunteer on the eventful day of 
the battle, June 17th. Just as tlie retreat 
commenced, a ball struck him on the head, 
and he died in the trenches, aged thirty-five 
years. He was the first victim of rank that 
fell in the struggle with Great Britain. lu 
the spring of 1776, his bones were taken up 
and entombed in Boston, on which occasion, 
as he had been grandmaster of the free ma- 
sons in America, a brother mason and an elo- 
quent orator pronounced a funeral eulogy. 

The following account of the battle of Bun- 
ker's or Breed's Hill, we take from Ramsay's 
American Revolution : 

"A considerable height, by the name of 
Bunker's-Hili, just at the entrance of the Pe- 
ninsula of Charlestown, was so situated as to 
make the possession of it a matter of great 
consequence, to either of the contending par- 
ses. Orders were therefore issued by the pro- 
vincial commanders that a detachment of a 
thousand men should intrench upon this height. 
By some mistake Breed's Hill, high and large 
like the other, but situated nearer Boston, was 
marked out for the intrcnehments, instead of 
Bunker's hill. The provincials proceeded to 
Breed's hill and worked with so mucli diligence 
that between midiiiglit and the dawn of the 
morning, they liad thrown up a small redoubt 
about eight rods square. They kept such a 
profound silence, that they were not heard by 
the British, onboard their vessels, though very 
j].ear. These having derived their fjrst infor- 




i 



I 



WARHKN. ^7\f 

maiion of what was going on from the sight of 
the work near completion, began an incessant 
firing upon them. The provincials bore this 
with firmness, and though they were only 
young soldiers, continued to labor till they had 
thrown up a small breastwork, extending from 
the east side of the redoubt to the bottom of 
the hill. As this eminence overlooked Boston 
general Gage thought it necessary to drive the 
provincials from it. About noon, therefore, he 
detached major general Howe and brigadier 
general Pigot, wi<h tlie flower of his army, 
consisting of four battalions, tch companies of 
the grenadiers and ten of iiglit infantry, with 
a proportion of iield artillery, to effect this 
business. These troops landed at Moreton's 
point, and formed after landing, but remained 
in that position till ihey were reinforced by a 
second detachment of light infantry and grena- 
dier companies, a battalion of land forces and 
a battalion of marines, making in the whole 
nearly 3090 men. While the troops who first 
landed were w aiting for this reinforcement, the 
provincials for their farther security, pulled 
up some adjoining post and rail fences, and 
set them down in two parallel lines at a small 
distance from each other, and filled the space 
between with hay, which having been lately 
Biowed, remained on the adjacent ground. 

'' The king's troops formed in two lines, 
and advanced slowly, to give their artillery 
time to demolish the American works. AVhilc 
the British were advancing to the attack, they 
received orders to burn Charlestown. This 
was not done because they were fired upon 



sr& WARREN. 

from the houses in that town, but from the 
iiiijitary policy of depriving enemies of a cover 
in their approaches. In a short time this an- 
cient town, consisting of about 1500 buildings, 
chiefly of wood, Avas in one great blaze. 

** In Boston the heights of every kind were 
covered with the citizens, and siith of the 
king's troops as were not on duty. The hills 
around the adjacent country wliich aiforded a 
safe and distinct view^ were occupied by the 
inhabitants of tlie country. 

<« Thousands, both within and without Bos- 
ton, were anxious spectators of the bloody 
scene. The honor of British troops beat high 
in the breasts of many, while others with a 
keener sensibility, felt for tlie liberties of a 
great and grooving country. The British mov- 
ed on but slowly, which gave the provincials 
a better opportunity for taking aim. The lat- 
ter in general reserved themselves till their 
adversaries were within ten or twelve^ rods, 
but then began a furious discharge of small 
arms. The stream of the American fire was 
so incessant, and did so great execution, that 
the king's troops retreated in disorder and 
precipitation. Their officers rallied them and 
pushed them forward with their swords, but 
they returned to the attack with great reluc- 
tance. The Americans again reserved their 
fire till their adversaries were near, and then 
put them a second time to flight. General 
liowe and the oflicers redoubled their exer- 
tions, and were again successful, though the 
soldiers discovered a great aversion to going 
on. By this time the powder of the Ameri- 



WARREN. sn 

cans began so far to Aiil that tliey were not 
able to keep up the same brisk fire as before. 
The British also brought some cannon to bear 
which raked the inside of the breastwork from 
end to end. Tlie lire from the ships, batte- 
ries, and field artillery was redoubled ,* the 
soldiers in the rear were goaded on by their 
officers. The redoubt was attacked on tlir^e 
sides at once. Under tliese circumstances a 
retreat from it was ordered, but the provincials 
delayed, and made resistance with tlieir dis- 
charged muskets as if they had been clubs, so 
long that the king's troops, who easily mount- 
ed the works, had lialf filled the redoubt before 
it was given up to them.. 

<« While these operations were going on at 
the breast work and redoubt, the British light 
infantry were attempting to force the left point 
of the former, that they might take tlie Ame- 
I'iean line in flank. Though they exhibited 
the most undainited courage, tliey met with 
an opposition, which called for its greatest 
exertions. The provincials here, in like man- 
ner, reserved their fire till their adversaries 
were near, and then poured it upon the light 
infantry, with such an incessant stream, and 
in so true a direction as mowed down their 
ranks. The engagement was kept up on both 
sides with great resolution. 
**The number of Americans engaged, amount- 
od only to 1500. The loss of the British as ac- 
knowledged by general Gage, amounted to one 
thousand and fifty-fonr. Nineteen commission- 
ed officers were killed, and seventy more were 
wounded. The battle of Quebec in 1759, which 
ii2 



378 WARREN. 

gave Great Britain the province of Canada, \Ta& 
iiot so destructive to British officers as this af- 
fair of a slight intrcBchment^ the work only of 
a few hours. 

*« The Americans lost five pieces of cannon. 
Their killed amounted to one hundred and 
thirty-nine. Their wounded and missing to 
three hundred and fourteen. Thirty of the 
former fell into the hands of the conquerors. 
They particularly regretted the death of ge- 
neral Warren. To the purest patriotism and 
most undaunted bravery, he added the virtues 
of domestic life, the eloquence of an accom- 
plished orator, and the wisdom of an able states- 
jnan," Dr. Warren published an oration in 
1772, and another in 1775, commemorative of 
the fifth of March, 1770. 

WARREN, James, a distinguished friend 
to his country, was born in the year 1726. — 
In May 1766 he was chosen a member of the 
general court from Plymouth, and he uni- 
formly supported the rights of his country. — 
The government, who knew his abilities, and 
feared his opposition, tried the influence of 
promises and of threats upon him ; but his in- 
tegrity was not to be corrupted. In 1773 his 
proposal for establishing committees of cor- 
respondence was generally adopted. Whe^i 
solicited to take a seat in the first congress 
he declined, not then having had the small 
pox. After the death of his friend, general 
Warren, he was appointed president of the 
provincial congress. While the army lay at 
Cambridge in 1775, he was made paymaster 
general, but in the following year, when the 




WASHINGTON. 379 

troops went to New York and three depart- 
ments were constituted, he resigned. In 1776 
he was appointed major general of the militia, 
though he never acted in that capacity. Af- 
ter the formation of the constitution of Mas- 
sachusetts, he was for many years speaker of 
the house of representatives. Preferring an 
active station, in which he could serve his 
country, he refused the office of lieutenant go- 
vernor, and that of judge of the supreme court, 
hut accepted a seat at the navy hoard, the du- 
ties of which were very arduous. At the close 
of the war he retired from puhlic employments 
to enjoy domestic ease and leisure. 

He died in 1808, aged eighty- two years. — - 
'His conduct was uniformly upright, his piety 
retired, unassuming, and constant. 

WASHINGTON, George, commander in 
chief of the American army during the war 
with Great Britain, and first president of the 
United States, was the third son of Mr. Au- 
gustine Washington, and was horn at Bridges 
creek, in the county of Westmoreland, Virgi- 
nia, Fehruary 22, 1732. His great grandfa- 
ther had emigrated to that place from the 
north of England ahout the year 1657. At 
the age of ten years he lost his father, and 
the patrimonial estate descended to his elder 
brother, Mr. Lawrence Washington, who in 
the year 1740 had been engaged in the expe- 
dition against Carthagena. In honor of the 
British admiral, who commanded the fleet, 
employed in that enterprise, the estate was 
called Mount Yernon. At the age of fifteen, 
agreeably to the wishes of his brother as wel! 



$80 WASHINGTON, 

as to his own urgeut request to enter into the 
British navy, the place of a midshipman in a 
vessel of war, then stationed on the coast of 
Virginia, was obtained for him. Every thing 
was in readiness for his departure, when the 
fears of a timid and affectionate mother pre- 
vailed upon him to abandon his proposed ca- 
reer on the ocean, and were the means of re- 
taining him upon the land to be the future 
vindicator of liis country's rights. All the ad- 
vantages of education, wliich he enjoyed, were 
derived from a private tutor, who instructed 
Jiim in English literature and the general prin- 
ciples of science, as well as in morality and 
religion. After his disappointment with re- 
gard to entering the navy, he devoted much 
of his time to the study of the mathematics ; 
and in the practice of his profession as a sur- 
veyor he had an opportunity of acquiring that 
information respecting the value of vacant 
lands, which aiterwards greatly contributed 
to the increase of his private fortune. At the 
age of nineteen, when the militia of Virginia 
were to be trained for actual service, he was 
appointed an adjutant general with the rank 
of major. It was for a very short time, tbat 
he discharged the duties of tliat office. In the 
year 1753 the plan, formed by France for con- 
necting Canada with Louisiana by a line of 
posts, and thus of enclosing the British colo- 
nies and of establishing lier influence over the 
numerous tribes of Indians on the frontiers, 
began to be developed. In the prosecution of 
this design possession had been taken of a tract 
of land, then believed to be within the province 




WASHINCtTON. 381 

of Virginia. Mr. Dimviddie, the lieutenant gov- 
ernor, being determined to remonstrate against 
the proposed encroachment, and violation of the 
treaties betMeen the two comitries, despatched 
major Wasliington through the wilderness (o 
the Ohio, to deliver a letter to the command- 
ing officer of the Frencli, and also to explore 
the country. This trust of danger and fatigue 
he executed with great ability. He left Wil- 
liamsburg, October 31, 1753, the very day on 
which he received his commission, and at the 
frontier settlement of the jEnglish engaged 
guides to ccndiict him over the Alleghany 
mountains. 

At a place upon the Alleghany, called Mur- 
dering town, they fell in with a hostile Indian, 
who was one of the party then lying in wait, 
and who fired upon th^m not ten steps dis- 
tant. They took him into custody and kept 
him until nine o'clock, and then let him go. 
To avoid the pursuit which they presumed 
would be commenced in the morning, they 
travelled all night. On reaching the Monon- 
gahela, they had a hard day's work to make 
a raft with a hatchet. In attempting to cross 
the river to reach a trader's house, they 
were enclosed ?)y masses of ice. In order to 
stop the raft major Washington put down his 
setting pole, but the ice came with such force 
against it, as to jerk him into the water. He 
saved himself by seizls^g one of the raft logs. 
With diiiiculty they landed on an island, where 
they passed the night. The cold was so se- 
vere, that the pilot's hands jmd feet were fro- 
zen. Tlie next day they crossed the river upon 



3a^ WASHINGTON. 

the ice. Washington arrived at Williamsburg/ 
January 16, 1754. His journal, ^vhich evinc- 
ed the solidity of his judgment and his forti- 
tude, Avas published. 

As the French seemed disposed to remain 
OH the Ohio, it was determined to raise a re- 
giment of three hundred men to maintain the 
claims of thcBritish crown. The command 
was given to Mr. Fry ; and major Washing- 
ton, who was appointed lieutenant colonel, 
marched with two companies early in April, 
1754, in advance of the other troops. A few 
miles west of the Great Meadows he surprised 
a French encampment in a dark rainy night* 
and only one man escaped. Before the arrival 
of the two remaining companies, Mr. Fry died^ 
and the command devolved on colonel Wash- 
ington. Being joined by two other companies 
of regular troops from South Carolina and 
New York, after erecting a small stockade at 
the Great Meadows, he proceeded toAvards fort 
du Quesne, Avhich had been built but a short 
time, with the intention of dislodging the 
French. He had marched only thirteen miles 
to the western-most foot of Laurel hill, before 
he received information of the approach of the 
enemy with superior numbers, and was indue- 
ed to return to his stockade. He began a ditcli 
around it, and called it Fort Necessity ; but 
tlie next day, July 3, he was attacked by fif- 
teen hundred men. His own troops were only 
about four hundred in number. The action 
commenced at ten in the morning and lasted 
until dark. A part of the Americans fought 
within the fort, and a part in the di^ch filler^. 



WASfflNGTON. 383 

with nitid and water. Colonel Washington 
Avas him self on the outside of the fort during 
the whole day. The enemy fought under co- 
ver of the trees and high grass. In the course 
of the night articles of capitualation were 
agreed upon. The garrison were allowed to 
retain their arms and haggage, and to march 
unmolested to the inhabited parts of Virginia. 
The loss of the Americans in killed and wound- 
ed was supposed to he about a hundred, and 
that of the enemy about two hundred. In a 
few months afterwards orders were received 
for settling the rank of the officers, and those 
who were commissioned by the king being di- 
rected to take rank of the provincial officers, 
colonel Washington indignantly resigned his 
commission. He now retired to Mount Ver- 
non, that estate, by the death of his brother, 
having devolved upon him. But in the spring 
of 1755, he accepted an invitation from gene- 
ral Braddoek to enter his family as a volunteer 
aid-de campin his expedition to the Ohio. He 
proceeded with him to Wills' creek, afterwards 
called Fort Cumberland, in April. After the 
troops had marched a few miles from this 
place, he was seized with a raging fever ; but 
refusing to remain behind, he was conveyed in 
a covered waggon. By his advice twelve hun- 
dred men were detached in order to reach fort 
du Quesne before an expected reinforcement 
should be received at that place. These dis- 
encumbered troops were commanded by Brad- 
dock himself, and colonel Washington, though 
still extremely ill, insisted upon proceeding 
with them. After they arrived upon the Mo- 



3S4. WASHINGTON. 

iiongaliela he advised the general to employ the 
rajiging companies of Virginia to scour the 
woods and to prevent ambuscades ; but liis ad- 
vice was not followed. On the ninth of July, 
when the army was within seven miles of the 
fort du Quesne, the enemy commenced a sud- 
den and furious attack, being concealed by tlic 
wood and high grass. Washington v/as the 
only aid, that was un wounded, and on him de- 
volved the whole duty of carrying the orders of 
the commander in chief. He was cool and 
fearless. Though he had two horses shot un- 
der him, and four balls through his coat, he 
escaped unhurt, while every officer on horse- 
back was either killed or wounded. Doctor 
Craik, the physician, who attended him in his 
last sickness, was present in this battle, and 
says, ** I expected every moment to see him 
fall. Nothing but the superintending care of 
Providence could have saved him from the 
fate qf all around him." After an action of 
three hours the troops gave way in all direc-. 
tions, and colonel Washington and two others 
brought off* Braddock, who had been mortally 
wounded. He attempted to rally the retreat- 
ing troops ; but, as he says himself, it was 
like endeavoring " to stop the wild bears of 
the mountains." The conduct of the regular 
troops was most cowardly. The enemy were 
few in numbers and had no expectation of vic- 
tory. In a sermon occasioned by this expedi- 
tion, the reverend Dr. Davies of Hanover 
county thus prophetically expressed himself; 
" as a remarkable instance of patriotism I 
may point out to the public that heroic youth. 



i 



WASHmt:iTON> 385 

eoioncl Washington, whom I cannot but hope 
Providence has liitherto preserved in so signal 
a manner for some important service to his 
country/' For this purpose he was indeed 
preserved, and at tlie end of twenty years he 
began to render to his country more impor- 
tant services, than the minister of Jesus couhl 
have anticipated. From 1755 to 1758 he com- 
manded a regiment, which was raised for the 
protection of the frontiers. 

In July 1758 another expedition was under- 
taken against fort du Quesne, in which Wash* 
ington commanded the Virginia troops. By 
slow marches they were enabled, on the twen* 
ty-fifth of November, to reach fort du Quesne, 
of which peaceable possession was taken, as 
the enemy on the preceding night setting it on 
fire, had abandoned it and proceeded down the 
Ohio. The works in this place were repaired, 
and its name was changed to that of Fort Pitt. 
Colonel Washington now resigned his commis- 
sion. 

Soon after his resignation he was married to 
the widow of Mr. Custis, a young lady, to 
whom he had been for some time strongly at- 
tached, and who to a large fortune and a fine 
pers ai added those amiable accomplishments, 
which fiH^ with silent felicity the scenes of do- 
mestic life. His attention for several years 
was principally directed to the management of 
his estate, wliich had now become considera- 
ble. He had nine thousand acres under his 
own management. So great a part was culti- 
vated, that in one year he raised seven thou- 
sand bushels of wheat, and ten thousand of Tn- 
•Kk 



586 WASHINGTON. 

dian corn. His slaves and other persons, em« 
ployed by him, amounted to near a thousand : 
and the wollen and linen cloth necessary for 
their use was chiefly manufactured on the es- 
tate. He was at tliis period a respectable 
member of the legislature of Virginia, in which 
he took a tle^ided part in opposition to the 
principle of taxation, asserted by the British 
parliament. He also acted as a judge of a 
county court. In 1774 he was elected a mem> 
her of the first congress, and was placed on all 
those committees, whose duty it was to make 
arraiigements for defence. In the following 
year, after the battle of Lexington, when it 
was determined by congress to resort to arms, 
colonel Washington was unanimously elected 
commander in chief of the army of the united 
colonies. All were satisfied as to his qualifi- 
cations, and the delegates from New England 
were particularly pleased with his election, as 
it would tend to unite the southern colonies 
cordially in the war. He accepted the appoint- 
ment with diflidence, und expressed his inten- 
tion of receiving no compensation for his ser- 
vices, and only a mere discharge of his expen- 
se*. He immediately repaired to Cambridge, 
hi the neighborhood of Boston, where he arriv- 
ed on tlie second of July. He formed the army 
into three divisions, in order the most effectu- 
iilly to enclose the enemy, entrusting tJie divi- 
sion at lloxbury to general Ward, the division 
on Prospect and Winter hills to general Lee, 
and commanding himself the centre at Cam- 
bridge. Here he had to struggle with great 
diffif uUies. with the want of ammunition, elotb 



WASHINGTON. 3^7 

iiig and magazines^ defect of arms and disci- 
pline, and the evils of short enlistments ; but 
instead of yielding to despondence he bent the 
whole force of his mind to overcome them. — .. 
He soon made the alarming discovery, that 
there was only sufficient powder on hand to 
furnish the army with nine cartridges for each 
man. With the greatest caution to keep this 
fact a secret, the utmost exertions were em- 
ployed to procure a supply. A vessel, Avhich 
was dispatched to Africa, obtained in exchange 
for New England rum all the gunpowder in 
the British factories ; and in the beginning of 
winter captain Manly captured an ordnance 
brig, which furnished tlie American arm^^ with 
the precise articles, of which it was in the 
greatest want. In September general Wash- 
ington dispatched Arnold on an expedition 
against Quebec. In February 1776 he pro- 
posed to a council of his otBcers to cross the 
ice and attack the enemy in Boston, but they 
unanimously disapproved of the daring mea- 
sure. It was, however, soon resolved to take 
possession of the heights of Dorchester. This 
was done without discovery on the night of the 
fourth of March, and on the seventeenth the 
enemy found it necessary to evaenate the town. 
The recovery of Boston induced congress to 
pass a vote of thanks to general Washington 
and his brave ariuy. 

In the belief, that the efforts of the British 
would be directed towards the Hudson, he has- 
tened the army to New York, Avhere he him- 
self arrived on the fourteenth of April. He 
made every exertion to fortify the city, and at- 



388 WASHINGTOJS, 

tention was paid to the forts in the highianfe 
WJiilc he met the most embarrassing difficul- 
ties, a j>lan was formed to assist the enemy in 
seizing his person, and some of his own guards 
engaged in the conspiracy ; but it was disco- 
vered, and some, who were concerned in if, 
were executed. In the beginning of July, ge- 
neral ilowe landed his troops at Staten Island. 
His brother, lord Howe, wlio commanded the 
fleet, soon arrived ; and as both were commis- 
sioners for restoring peace to the colonies, tlie 
latter addressed a letter, upon the subject, to 
<♦ George Washington, esquire ; but the gene- 
ral refused to receive it, as it did not acknow- 
ledge the public character, with which he was 
invested by congress, in which character only 
he could have any intercourse with his lord- 
ship. Another letter was sent to <* George 
Washington, &c. &c. &c.'' This for the same 
reason was iM^Jec ted. After the disastrous bat- 
tle of Brooklyn, on tlie twenty-seventh of Au- 
gust, in whieh Stirling and Sullivan were taken 
prisoners, and of which he was only a specta- 
tor, he withdrew the troops from Long Island, 
and in a few days he resolved to withdraw from 
New York. At Kipp's bay, about three miles 
from the city, some works had been thrown 
up to oppose the enemy; but on their ap- 
proach the American troops fled with precipi- 
tation. Washington rode towards the lineg, 
and made every exertion to prevent the dis- 
graceful flight. He drew his sword, and threa- 
tened to run the cowards through ; he cocked 
and snapped his pistols ; but it was all in vain. 
iSuch was the state ef his mind at this mo- 



WASHINGTON. ssr 

iiient, that he turned his horse towards the 
advancing enemy, apparently with the inten- 
tion of rushing upon death. His aids now seiz- 
ed the bridle of his horse and rescued him 
from destruction. New York was on the same 
day, September the Ijfteenth, evacuated. In 
October he retreated to the AVhite Plains, 
whereon the twenty-eighth a considerable ac- 
tion took place, in which the Americans were 
overpowered. After the loss of forts Washing- 
ton and Lee, he passed into New Jersey in No- 
vember, and was pursued by a triumphant and 
numerous army. His army did not amount to 
three thousand, and it was daily diminishing; 
his men as the winter commenced were bare- 
footed and almost naked, destitute of tents and 
of utensilsj with which to dress their scanty 
provisions ; and every circumstance tended to 
fill the mind with despondence. But general' 
Washington was undismayed and firm. He 
showed himself to his- enfeebled army with a 
serene and unembarrassed countenance, and 
they were inspired with the resolution of their 
commander. On the eighth of December he 
was obliged to cross the Delaware ; but he 
had the precaution to secure the boats for se- 
venty miles upon the river. Wliile the British 
were waiting for the ice to afford them a pas- 
sage, as his own army had been reinforced by 
several thousand men, he formed tlie resolution 
of carrying the cantonments of the enemy by 
surprise. On the night of the twenty-fifth of 
December, he crossed the river nine miles 
above IVenton, in a storm of snow mingled 
with hail and rain, with about two thousand 
Kk 2 



590 WASHINGTON. 

and four lumdrcd men. Two otlier detach» 
mcnts were unable to effect a passage. In the 
morning precisely at eight o'clock he surpris- 
ed Trenton and took a thousand Hessians pri- 
soners, a thousand stand of arms, and six field 
pieces. Twenty of the enemy were killed. — 
Of the Americans two privates were killed^ 
and two frozen to death ; and one officer and 
three or four privates wounded. On the same 
day he recrossed the Delaware with the fruits 
of his enterprise ; but in two or three days 
passed again into New Jersey, and concentra- 
ted his forces, amounting to five thousand, at 
Trenton. On the approach of a superior ene- 
my under Cornwallis, January 2, 1777, he drew 
up his men behind Assunipinek creek. He 
expected an attack in the morning, which would 
probably result in a ruinous defeat. At this mo- 
ment when it was hazardous if not impractica- 
ble to return into Pennsylvania, he formed the 
resolution of getting into the rear of the enemy, 
and thus stop them in their progress towards 
Philadelphia. In the night he silently decamp- 
ed, taking a circuitous route through Allen's 
town to Princeton. A sudden change of the 
weather to severe cold rendered t:.e roads fa- 
vorable for his march. About sunrise his van 
met a British detachment on its way to join 
Cornwallis, and was defeated by it: but as he 
came up he exposed himself to every danger 
and gained a victory. With three hundred 
prisoners he then entered Princeton. Durin,^ 
thi« march many af his soldiers were witliout 
shoes, and their feet left the marks of blood 
upon the frozen ground. This hardship and 



WASHINGTON. 

their want of repose, induce;! him to lead his 
army to a place of security on the road to 
Morristown. Cornwaiiis in the morning broke 
up his camp and alarmed for his stores at 
Brunswick urged the pursuit. Thus the mili- 
tary genius of the American commander, un- 
der the blessing of divine Providence, rescued 
Philadelphia from the threatened danger, ob- 
liged the enemy, which had overspread New 
Jersey, to return to the neighborhood of New 
York, and revived the desponding spirit of his 
country. Having accomplished these objecst, 
he retired to Morristown, wliere he caused his 
whole array to be inoculated with the small 
pox, and thus was freed from the apprehension 
of a calamity, which might impede his opera- 
tions during the next campaign. 

Cn the last of May he removed his army to 
Middlebrook, about ten miles from Brunswick, 
where he fortified liimself very strongly. An 
ineffectual attempt was made by sir William 
Howe to draw him from his position by march- 
ing towards Philadelphia; but after Howe's 
return to New York, he moved towards the 
Hudson in order to defend the passes in the 
mountains, in the expectation that a junction 
with Burgoyne, who was then upon the lakes, 
wouhl be attempted. -After the British gene- 
ral sai.ed from Neiv York and entered the 
Chesapeake in August, general Washington 
marched immediately for the defence of Phi- 
ladelphia. On the eleventh of September he 
was defeated at Brandywine with the loss 
of nine liundred in killed and wounded. A few 
days afterward, as he was pursued; he turnctl 



392 WASHINGTON. 

the enemy, determined upon another engage* 
ment; but a heavy rain so damaged tiie arms 
and ammunition, that he was under the abso- 
lute necessity of again retreating. Philadel- 
phia was entered by Cornwallis on the twenty 
sixth of September. On the fourth of Octo- 
her the American commander uiade a well 
planned attack upon the British camp at Ger- 
mantown ; but in consequence of the darkness 
of the morning, and the imperfect discipline 
of his troops, it terminated in the lossof i20Q 
men in killed, wounded and prisoners. In De- 
cember he went into winter quarters at Valley 
Forge, on the west side of the Schuylkill, be- 
twee-m twenty and thirty miles from Philadel- 
phia. Here his aririy was in the greatest dis- 
tress for want of provisions, and he was reduc- 
ed to the necessity of sending out parties to 
seize what they could lind. About the same 
time a combination, in Avhich some members 
of congress were engaged, was formed to re- 
move the commander in chief and to appoint 
in his place Gates, whose successes of late 
had given him a high reputation. But the 
name oi* Washington was too dear to the great 
body of Americans to admit of such a cljange. 
NoJwithstanding the discordant materials, of 
which his army was composed, there was some- 
thing in his character, which enabled him to 
attach both his officers and soldiers so strongly 
to him, that no distress could weaken their af- 
ffection, nor impair the veneration, in which 
he was generally held. Without this attach- 
ment to him the army must have been dissolv- 
ed. Genes^al Conway, who was concerned in, 



WASHINGTON. " 3^S 

this faction, being wounded in a duel with gen- 
eral Cadwallader, and thinking his wound 
mortal, wrote to general Washington, "you 
are, in my eyes the great and good man." On 
the first of February 177S there were about 
four thousand men in camp unfit for duty for 
want of clothes. Of these scarcely a man had 
a pair of shoes. The hospitals also were fil- 
led with the sick. At this time the enemy, if 
they had marched out of their winter quar- 
ters, would easily have dispersed J he Ameri- 
can army. The apprehension of the approach 
of a French fleet inducing the British to con- 
centrate their forces, when they evacuate 
ed Philadelphia on the scventconth of June 
and marched towards New York, general 
Washington followed them. Contrary to the 
advice of a council he engaged in the battle 
of Monmouth on the twenty eighth, the result 
of which made an impression favorable to the 
cause of America. He slept in his cloak on 
the field of battle, intending to renew the at- 
tack the next morning, but at midnight the 
British marched ofi'in such silence, as not to 
be discovered. Their loss in killed was about 
three hundred, and that of the Americans six- 
ty nine. As the campaign now closed in the 
middle states, the American army went into 
winter quarters in tlic neigliborhood of the 
highlands upon the Hudson. Thus after the 
vicissitudes of two years both armies were 
brought back to the poiiU, from wliich they 
set out. During the year 1779 general 
Washington remained in the neighborhood of 
New York, In January 17S0, in a winter 



304 WASHINGTON. 

memorable for its severity, his utmost exer- 
tions were necessary to save the army from 
dissohition. The soldiers in general submitted 
with heroic patience to the want of provisions 
and clothes. At one time they eat every kind 
of horse food but hay. Their sufferings at 
length were so great, that in March two of the 
Connecticut regiments mutinied, but the mu- 
tiny was suppressed and the ringleaders secu- 
red. In September the treachery of Arnold 
was detected. In the winter of 1781, such 
were again the privations of the army, that a 
part of the Pennsylvania line revolted, and 
marched home. Such however was still their 
patriotism, that they delivered some British 
emissaries to general Wayne, who hanged them 
as spies. Committing the defence of the posts 
on the Hudson to general Heath, general 
Washington in August marched with count Ro- 
chambeau for the Chesapeake, to co-operate 
with the French fleet there. The siege of 
Yorktown commenced on the twenty-eighth of 
September, and on the nineteenth of Octobev 
he reduced Cornwallis to the necessity of sur- 
rendering with upwards of seven thousand men, 
to the combined armies of Ameiica and France. 
The day after the capitulation he ordered, that 
those, who were under arrest, should be par- 
doned, and that divine service in acknowledg- 
ment of the interposition of Providence should 
be performed in all the brigades and divisions. 
This event filled America with joy and was the 
means of terminating the war. 

Few events of importance took place in 
±782, On the ^r^h November^ 1783, New York 



WASHINGTON. 595 

was cvaeualed bv the British, and he entered 
it accompanied bj governor Clinton and many 
respectable citizens. On the nineteenth of 
April a cessation of hostilities was proclaimed. 
On the fourth of December, he took his iare< 
>vell of his brave comrades in arms. At noon 
tlie principal officers of the army assemhled at 
Frances' tavern, and their beloved commander 
soon entered the room. His emotions Aver« 
too strong to be concealed. Filling a glass 
with wine, he turned to them and said <* with 
a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take 
leave of you ; I most devoutly wish that your 
latter days may be as prosperous and happy 
as your former ones have been gloiious and ho- 
norable." Having drank, he added, ** I can- 
not come to each of you to take my leave, but 
shall be obliged to you if each of you will 
come and take me by the hand." General 
Knox, being nearest, turned to him. Incapa- 
ble of utterance, gen. Washington grasped his 
hand, and embi'aced him. In the most affec- 
tionate manner he took his leave of each suc- 
ceeding officer. In every eye was the tear of 
dignified sensibility, and not a word Avas ar- 
ticulated to interrupt tiie silence and the ten- 
derness of the scene. Ye men, who delight in 
blood, slaves of ambition ! When your work 
of carnage was iinished, could you thus part 
with your companions in crime ? Leaving the 
1 oom general Washington passed through the 
corps of light infantry and walked to SVhite- 
hall, where a barge waited to carry him to 
Powles' Hook. The whole company followed 
in mute proees?ion with dejected eountenan 



3,96 >VASHiNGTON. 

ces. When he entered the barge he turned to 
them, and waving his hat bade them a silent 
adieu, receiving from tliem the same last af- 
fectionate compliment. On the twenty-third 
of December he resigned his commission to 
congress, then assembled at Annapolis. He 
delivered a short address on the occasion, in 
v»hich he said, " I consider it an indispensable 
duty to close this last solemn act of my offi- 
cial life by commending the interests of our 
dearest country to the protection of Almighty 
God, and those Who have the superintendence 
of them to his holy keeping." He then retir- 
ed to Mount ¥ernon to enjoy again the plea- 
sures of domestic life. Here the expressions 
of the gratitude of his countrymen in affec- 
tionate addresses poured in upon him, and he 
received every testimony of respect and vene- 
ration. 

In 1787 he was persuaded to take a seat in 
the convention which form,ed the present con- 
stitution of the United States. In 1789 he 
was unanimously elected president of the Unit- 
ed States. In April he left Mount Vernon to 
proceed to New York, and to enter on the du- 
ties of his office. He every where received 
testimonies of respect and love. On the thir- 
tieth of April he arrived at New York, and he 
was inaugurated first president of the United 
States. At the close of his first term of four 
years, he prepared a valedictory address to the 
American people, anxious to return again to 
the scenes of domestic life ; but the earnest en- 
treaties of his friends and the peculiar situation 
of his country, induced him to be a candidate 



WASHrN"GTON> §97 

ior a second election. At the expiration of 
his second term, he determined irrevocably to 
withdraw to the shades of private life. He 
published in September 1796 his farewell ad- 
dress to the people of the United States, 
which ought to be engraven upon the hearts 
of his countrymen. In the most earnest and 
affectionate manner he called upon them to 
cherish an immoveable attachment to the na- 
tional union, to watch for its preservation with 
jealous anxiety, to discountenance even the 
suggestion that it could in any event be aban- 
doned, and indignantly to frown upon the first 
dawning of every attempt to alienate any por- 
tion of our country from the rest. 

He then retired to Mount Vernon, giving to 
the world an example, most humiliating to its 
emperors and kings ; the example of a man, 
voluntarily disrobing himself of the higJiest 
aatJiority, and returning to private life with 
a character having upon it no stain of ambi- 
tion, of eovetousness, of profusion, of luxury, 
of oppression, or ©f injustice. 

It was now that the soldier, the statesman, 
and the patriot, hoped to repose himself after 
the toils of so many years. But lie had not 
been long in retirement before the outrages of 
France, induced our government to raise an 
army, of which, in July, 1798, he was appoint- 
ed coramandir in chief. Though he accepted 
the appointment, his services were not de- 
manded, and he himself did not believe that 
an invasion Avould take place. Pacific over- 
tures were soon made by the French directo- 
ry, but he did not live to see the restoration 

Ll 



398 WASHINGTON. 

of peace. On Friday, December 13, ±79% 
"while attending to some improvements upon 
his estate, he was exposed to a light rain, 
which wetted his neck and hair. Unappre- 
hensive of danger, he passed the afternoon in 
his usual manner, but at night he was seized 
with an inflammatory affection of the wind- 
pipe. The disease commenced with a violent 
ague, accompanied with some pain and a sense 
of stricture in the throat, a cough, and a diffi- 
cult deglutition, which soon succeeded by fever 
and a quick and laborious respiration. About 
twelve or fourteen ounces of blood were taken 
from him. In the morning his family physi- 
cian, doctor Clark, was sent for ; but the ut- 
most exertions of medical skill were applied 
in vain. The appointed time of his death was 
near. Believing from the commencement of 
his complaint, that it would be mortal, a few 
hours before his departure, after repeated ef- 
forts to be understood, he succeeded in express- 
ing a desire that he might be permitted to die 
^vithout being disquieted by unavailing attempts 
(o rescue him from his fate. After it became 
impossible to get any thing down his throat, he 
undressed himself and went to bed, there to 
die. To his friend and physician, who sat on 
his bed, and took his head in his lap, he said, 
with difficulty, *^ Doctor I am dying, and have 
been dying for a long time ; but I am not 
afraid to die." Respiration became more and 
more protracted and imperfect, until half past 
eleven on Saturday night, when, retaining the 
full possession of his intellect, he expired with- 
«out a struggle. Thus od the fowFteenth of D*^ 



WASHINGTON; ^Q^ 

<»<^mber, 1799, in tbe sixty-eighth year of big 
age, (lied the father of his country, " the man 
first in war, first in peace, and first in the 
hearts of his fellow citizens." This event 
spread a gloom over the country, and the 
tears of America proclaimed the services and 
virtues of the hero and sage, and exhibited u 
people not insensible to his worth. 

General Washington was rather above the 
common stature; his frame was robust, and 
his constitution vigorous. His exterior creat- 
ed in the beholder the idea of strength united 
with manly gracefulness. His eyes were of a 
grey color, and his complexion light. His 
manners were rather reserved than free. His 
person and whole deportment exhibited an un- 
affected and indescribable dignity, unmingled 
with haughtiness, of which all who approach- 
ed him were sensible. The attachment of 
those who possessed his friendship was ardent, 
but always respectful. His temper was hu- 
mane, benevolent, and conciliatory ; but there 
was a quickness in his sensibility to any thing 
apparently offensive, which experience had 
taught him to watch and correct. He made 
no pretensions to vivacity or wit. Judgment 
rather than genius constituted the most pro- 
minent feature of his character. As a milita- 
ry man he was brave, enterprising and cau- 
tious. At the head of a multitude, whom it 
was sometimes impossible to reduce to proper 
discipline before the expiration of their time of 
service, and having to struggle almost continu- 
ally with the want of supplies, he yet was able 
to contend with an adversary superior In num- 



kOO wasiiIngtcSn. 

bers, well disciplined, and completely equippcdv 
and was tlie means of saving his country. The 
measure of his caution has by some been re- 
pr.'scnted as too abundant ; but he sometimes 
formed a plan, which his brave officers thought 
was too adventurous, and sometimes contrary 
to their advice he engaged in battle. If his 
name is not rendered illustrious by splendid 
achievements, it is not to be attributed to the 
want of military enterprise. He conducted 
the war with that consummate prudence and 
wisdom, which the situation of his country 
and the state of his army demanded. He 
also possessed a firmness of resolution, which 
neither dangers nor difficulties could shake. 

WASHINGTON, Wiliiam, lieutenant co- 
lonel commandant of a continental regiment 
of dragoons during the revolutionary war, was 
the eldest son of Baily Washington, Esq, of 
Stafford county, in the state of Virginia. 

First among the youth of Virginia who has- 
tened to the standard of his country, on the 
rupture between Great Britain and her colo- 
nies, he was appointed to the command of a 
company of infantry in the third regiment of 
the Virginia line, commanded by colonel, af- 
terwards brigadier general, Mercer. In no 
corps in our service was the substantial know- 
ledge of the profession of arms more likely to 
be acquired. 

Here young Washington learnt the rudiments 
of war. He fought with this gallant regiment 
at York Island, and on the retreat through 
New Jersey, sharing with distinguished ap- 
plause in tUat disastrous period, its difficulties, 



WASHINGTON, 401 

its dangers, and its glory. When afterwards 
the commander in chief struck at colonel Kalle, 
stationed with a.hody of Hessians in Trenton, 
captain Washington was attached to the van 
of one of the assailing columns, and in that dar- 
ing and well executed enterprise, received a 
musket hall through his hand, bravely leading 
on his company against the arraying enemy. 

The commander in chief having experienced' 
the extreme difficulties to which he had been 
exposed during the preceding campaign, by his 
want of cavalry, was, shortly after this period, 
ia consequence of his suggestions to congress, 
authorised to raise three regiments of light 
dragoons. To the command of one of these he 
appointed lieutenant colonel Baylor one of his 
aid-de-camps. To this regiment captain Wash- 
ington was transferred with the rank of major, 
and returned to Virginia for the purpose of as- 
sisting in recruiting the regiment. 

As soon as the corps was completed, Baylor 
joined the main army; his regiment was, in 
1778, surprised by a detachment of the Bri- 
tish, led by major general Gray, and suffered 
extremely. Washington fortunately escaped ; 
and in the course of the succeeding year, or 
early in 1780, he was detached with the re- 
mains of Bland's, Baylor's, and Moylan's regi- 
ments of horse, to the army of major general 
Lincoln, in South Carolina, where he was con- 
stantly employed with the light troops, and 
experienced, with some Hashes of fortune, two 
severe blows; first at Monk's Corner, where 
he commanded our horse, and last at Leneau's 
^rry, when he was second to lieutenant colo- 
il12 



4a^ WASHINGTON. 

iiel White, of Moylan's regiment. These re- 
peated disasters so reduced our cavalry, that 
White and Wasliington retired from the iiehl 
and repaired to the northern confines of North 
Carolina for the purpose of repairing their 
heavy losses. It was here that they applied 
to general Gates for the aid of his name and 
authority to expedite the restoration and equip- 
ilient of their regiments, that they might he 
ready to take the field underpins orders. This 
salutary and proper request was injudiciously 
disregarded ; from which omission very inju- 
f ious consequences seem to have resulted in the 
sequel. 

After the defeat of general Gates on the six- 
teenth of the following August, it will he reeoK 
iected that the American general retired to 
Ilillshorough, from whence he returned to Sa- 
lisbury. 

Lieutenant colonel Washington, with his ca- 
valry, now accompanied hijn, and formed a 
part of the light corps placed by Gates under 
the direction of brigadier Morgan. He resum-^ 
ed his accustomed active and vigorous service, 
and was highly useful in the execution of the 
trust confided to Morgan. 

During this period he carried, by an extra- 
ordinary stratagem, the post at Rudgley's 
which drew from lord Cornwallis the following 
letter to lieutenant colonel Tarleton. ^' Rudg- 
ley will not be made a brigadier. He surren- 
dered, without firing a shot, himself and one 
hundred and three rank and file, to the caviilry 
only. A deserter of Morgan's assures us that 



WASHINGTON. 403 

the infantry never came within three miles of 
the house/' 

Greene now succeeded Gates, when brigadier 
Morgan, with the light cqrps, was detached to 
liang upon the enemy's left ilank, and to threa- 
ten Ninety- Six. 

The battle of the Cowpeiis ensued, in which 
Washington, at the licad of our horse, acquir- 
ed fresh laurels. He continued with the light 
corps, performing with courage and precision 
the duties assigned him until the junction of 
the two divisions of the American army at 
Guilford court-house. Soon after this event 
a more powerful body of horse and foot was 
selected by general Greene, and placed under 
colonel Williams, of which Washington and 
his cavalry were a constituent part. 

In the eventful and trying retreat which en- 
sued, lieutenant colonel Washington contribut- 
ed his full share to the maintenance of the 
measures of Williams, which terminated so 
propitiously to our arms, and so honorably to 
the light troops and their commander. After 
our repassage of the Dan, Washington and his 
horse were again placed in the van, and Avith 
Howard and Lee, led by Williams, played that 
arduous game of marches, count'^rmarches, 
and manoeuvres, which greatly contributed to 
baffle the skilful display of talents and enter- 
prise, exhibited by lord Cornwallis in his per- 
severing attempt to force Greene, at the head 
of an inferior army, to battle, or to cut him off 
from his approaching reinforcements and ap- 
proaching supplies. 



4^4r WASHINGTON^. 

Colonel Washington acted a very distift* 
guished part in the battles of Guilford, Hob- 
kick's Hill and Eutaws; and throughout the 
arduous campaign of 1781 ; always at his post, 
decided, firm and brave, courting danger, and 
contemning difficulty. His eminent services 
were lost to the army from the battle Eutaws ; 
where, to its great regret, he was made priso- 
ner : nor did he afterwards take any part in 
ihe war, as from the period of his exchange 
nothing material occurred, the respective ar- 
mies being confined to minor operations, pro- 
duced by the prospect of peace. While a pri- 
soner in Charleston, Washington became ac- 
quainted with Miss Elliot, a young lady, in 
wltom concentred the untited attractions of 
respectable descent, opulence, polish and beau- 
ty. The gallant soldier soon became enamored 
with his amiable acquaintance, and afterwards 
married her. 

This happened in the spring of 1782 ; and he 
established himself in South Carolina at Sandy 
Hill, the ancestrial seat of his wife. 

Washington seems to have devoted his sub- 
sequent years to domestic duties, rarely break- 
ing in upon them by attention to public affairs ; 
and then only as a member of the state legis 
lature. 

He possessed a stout frame, being six feet in 
height, broad, strong, and corpulent. His oc- 
cupations and his amusements applied to the 
body, rather than to the mind ; to the cultiva- 
tion of which he did not bestow much time or 
application, nor was his education of the sort 
to excite such habits^ being only calculated to 



WAYNE, iOo 

fit a man for the common business of life. In 
temper he was good liumored, in disposition 
amiable, in heart upright, generous and friend- 
ly, in manners lively, innocent and agreea!)le. 
His military exploits announce his grade 
ftnd character in arms. Bold, collected and 
perse veri rig, he preferred the heat of action to 
the collection and sifting of intelligence, to the 
calculations and combinations of means and 
measures, and was better fitted for the field of 
battle than for the drudgery of camp and the 
watchfulness of preparation. Kind to his sol- 
diers, his system of discipline was rather lax, 
and sometimes subjected him to injurious con- 
sequences, when close to a sagacious and vigi- 
lant adversary. 

Lieutenant colonel Washington was selected 
by his illustrious relation when he accepted the 
command of the army during the presidency of 
Mr. Adams as one of his staff, with the rank 
of brigadier general, a decided proof of the 
high value attached by the best judge in Ame- 
rica to his military talents. 

Leading a life of honor, of benevolence and 
hospitality, in the bosom of his family and 
friends, during which, until its last two years, 
he enjoyed high health, this gallant soldier 
died, after a tedious indisposition, leaving a 
w idow, and a son and a daughter, the only issue 
of his marriage. 

WAYNE, Anthony, a major general in the 
American army, occupies a conspicuous station 
among the heroes and patriots of the Ameri- 
can revolution. lie was born in the year 1745, 
in Chester county, in the state, then colony of 



4$6 WAYBfIS, 

Pennsylvania. His father, who was a respec- 
table farmer, was many years a representative 
for the eounty of Chester in the general assem- 
bly, before the revolution. His grandfather, 
who was distinguished for his attachment to the 
principles of liberty, bore a captain's commis- 
sion under king William at the battle of the 
Boyne. Anthony Wayne succeeded his father 
as a representative for the county of Chester, in 
the ye^r 1773 ; and from his first appearance in 
public life, disthiguished himself as a firm and 
decided patriot. He opposed with much ability 
the unjust demands of the mother country, and 
in connexion with some gentlemen of distin- 
guished talents, was of material service in pre- 
paring the way for the firm and decisive part 
which Pennsylvania took in the general contest. 

In 1775 lie was appointed to the command of 
a regiment, which his character enabled him 
to raise in a few^ weeks in his native county. 
In the same year he was detached under gene- 
ral Thompson into Canada. In the defeat 
which followed, in which general Thompson 
was made a prisoner, colonel Wayne, though 
wounded, displayed great gallantry and good 
conduct in collecting and bringing off, the 
scattered and broken bodies of troops. 

In the campaign of 1776 he served under 
general Gates at Ticonderoga, and was highly 
esteemed by that officer for both his bravery 
and skill as an engineer. At the close of that 
campaign he was created a brigadier general. 

At the battle of Brandywine he behaved 
with his usual bravery, and for a long time 
opposed the progress of the enemy at Chad's 



Ford. In this action the inferiority of the 
Americans in numbers, discipline, and arms, 
gave them little chance of success ; but the 
peculiar situation of the public mind was sup- 
posed to require a battle to be risked ; the 
ground was bravely disputed, and the action 
was not considered as decisive. The spirits of 
the troops were preserved by a belief that the 
loss of the enemy had equalled their own. — 
As it was the intention of the American com- 
mander in chief to hazard another action on 
the first favorable opportunity that should 
offer, general Wayne was detached with his 
division, to harrass the enemy by every means 
in his power. The British troops were en- 
camped at Tryduffin, and general Wayne was 
stationed about three miles in the rear of their 
left wing, near the Paoli tavern, and from the 
precautions he had taken, he considered him- 
self secure ; but about eleven o'clock, on the 
night of the 17th Septempcr, major genera! 
Gray, having driven in his pickets, suddenly 
attacked him witli fixed bayonets. Wayne, 
unable to withstand the superior number of 
liis assailants, was obliged to retreat^ but 
Ibrraed again at a small distance, having lost 
about one hundred and fifty killed and wound- 
ed. As blame was attached, by some of the 
t)ffiecrs of the army, to general Wayne, for 
allowing himself to he surprised in this man- 
ner, he demanded a court martial, which, 
after examining the necessary evidence de- 
clared that he had done every tiling to ])e ex- 
pected from an active, brave, and vigilant of- 
ft^jer : and acquitted him with honor. 



kOS WAYNE. 

Shortly after was fought the battle of GqiSt 
mantown, in which he greatly signalized him- 
self by his spirited manner of leading his men 
into action. 

In all councils of war, general Wayne was 
distinguished for supporting the most energetic 
and decisive measures. In the one previous to 
the battle of Monmouth, he and general Cad- 
walader were the only officers decidedly in fa- 
vor of attacking the British army. The Ame- 
rican officers are said to have been influenced 
by the opinions if the Europeaus. The Baron 
de Steuben, and generals Lee and Du Portail, 
Avhose military skill was in high estimation, 
had warmly opposed an engagement, as too 
hazardous. But general Washington, whose 
opinion was in favor of an engagement, made 
such disposition as would be most likely to 
lead to it. In that action, so honorable to the 
American arms, general Wayne was conspi- 
cuous in the ardor of his attack. General 
Washington, in his letter to congress, observes, 
*< Were 1 to conclude my account of this day's 
transactions without expressing my obligations 
to the officers of the army in general, I should 
do injustice to their merit, and violence to my 
own feelings. They seemed to vie with each 
other in manifesting their zeal and bravery,— 
The catalogue of those who distinguished them- 
selves is too long to admit of particularizing 
individuals. I cannot, however, forbear men- 
tioning brigadier general Wayne, whose good 
conduct and bravery, throughout the whole ac- 
tion deserves particular commendation." 




WAYNEj A09 

iTTulj' 1799, die x\merican cojnmandcr ia 

tiliief having conceived a design of attacking 

ffi|kthe strong post of Stony Point, committed the 

W^charge of this enterprise to general Wayne, — 

The garrison was composed of six hundred men, 

» principally higlilanders, commanded by lieute- 
nant colonel Johnson. Stony Point is a consi- 
derable height, the base of which, on the one 
side, is washed by the Hudson river, and on the 
[ other is covered by a morass, over which there 
' is but one crossing place. On the top of this 
hill was the fort; formidable batteries of hea- 
vy artillery were planted on it, in front of 
which, breast- works were advanced, and half 
way down, was a double row of abattis. The 
batteries commanded the beach and the cross- 
I ing place of the morass. Several vessels of 
( Avar were also in ihe river, whose guns com- 
I mandcd the foot of the hill. At noon, on the 
l^ 15th of Jaly, general Wayne marched from 
■| Bandy Beach a'ld arrived at eight o'clock in 
W- the evening within a mile and a half of the 
fort, where he made the necessary disposition 
for thii assault. After reconnoitering the situa- 
tion of the enemy, at half past eleven he led 
his troops with unloaded muskets and fixed 
bayonets, and without firing a single gun, com- 
pletely carried the fort and made the garrison, 
amountiug to five hundred and forty-three 
(the rest being killed) prisoners. In the at- 
tack, while at the head of Febiger*s regiment, 
general Wayne received a wound in the head 
with a musket-ball, which, in the heat of the 
conflict, supposing mortal, and anxious to ex- 
pire in the lap of glory, he called to his aids to 
M m 



iio WAYNE. 

carry him forward and let kiin die in the foft> 
The resistance on the part of the garrison was 
very spirited. Out of the forlorn hope of 
twenty men, commanded hy lieutenant Gibbon, 
whose business it >>as to remove the ahattib, 
seventeen were killed. For the brave, prudent 
and soldierlike conduct displayed in this at- 
chicvement, the Congress presented to general 
Wayne a gold medal emblematic of the action. 
In the campaign of 1781, in which lord 
0)rnwallis, and a British army were obliged 
to surrender prisoners of war, he bore a con- 
spicuous part. His presence of mind never 
failed liim in the most critical situations. Of 
this he ^ave an emincut example on the James 
iliver. Having been deceived by some false 
information, into a belief that the British army 
had passed the river, leaving but the a^ear 
j^uard behind, he hastened to attack the latter 
before it should also have effected its passage; 
but on pushing through a morass and wood, in- 
stead of the rear guard, he found the whole 
British army drawn up close to him. His si- 
tuation did not admit of a moment's delibera- 
tion. Conceiving the boldest to be the safest 
measure, he immediately led his small detach- 
ment, not exceeiiing eight hundred men, to the 
charge, and after a short, but very smart and 
j.'lose firing, in which he lost one hundred and 
eighteen of his men, lie succeeded in bringing 
off the rest under cover of the wood. Lord 
Cornwallis, suspecting the attack to be a feint, 
in order to draw Iiim into an ambuscade, would 
}V)t ptrmit his troops to pursue. 



WAYNE. 

IWie cncitiy having made a considerable head 
in Georgia, Wayne was dispatched by general 
Washington to take the command of the forces 
in that state, and after some sanguinary en- 
gagements, succeeded in establishing security 
and order. For his services in that state the 
legislature presented him with a valuable farm. 

On the peace, which followed shortly after, 
he retired to private life; but in 1789 we find 
liim a member oC the Pennsylvania convention, 
and one of those in ikvor of the present fede- 
ral constitution of the United States. 

In the year 1792 he was appointed to succeed 
general St. Clair, who had resigned the com- 
mand of the army engaged against the Indians^ 
on our western frontier. He had to oppose an 
enemy of unceasing activity, abounding in stra- 
tagemiB, and flushed with recent victory. His 
troops were composed of new levies, who with 
difficulty could be brought to submit to the 
strictness of discipline, necessary to be pre- 
served in order to counteract the arts of their 
wily foe. The service was considered as ex- 
tremely dangerous, and the recruiting proceed- 
ed very slowly. Two gallant armies had been 
cut to pieces by these savages, who had des- 
troyed with fire and the tomahawk, the advanc- 
ed settlements of the whites. On his appoint- 
ment, it was supposed by many, that the mili- 
try ardor, for which he had ever been eminent- 
ly distinguished, would be very likely to lead 
him in action under unfavorable circumstances, 
when opposed by a foe, whose vigilance was 
unceasing, and whose rule it was, never to risk 
an action, without the greatest assurance of 



H2 WAYNE. 

success. But the appointment had been madl» 
by the man, who of all others was the best 
judge of the requisite qualities of a comman- 
der. General Wayne had been selected for 
this important situation by president Washing- 
ton, who entertained a distinguished regard for 
him ; and the result showed his opinion as ac- 
curate in this, as in all other instances of his 
glorious life. Wayne formed an encampment 
at Pittsburgh, and such exemplary discipline 
was introduced among the new troops, that on 
their advance into the Indian country, they ap- 
peared like veterans. He wished to come to a 
general engagement with the enemy, but aware 
of the serious consequences that would follow 
a defeat, the movements of the army were con- 
ducted with consummate prudence. Parties 
were constantly in advance, and as well to guard 
against a surprize, which had been fatal to tlie 
officers which preceded him, as to inure his 
troops to vigilance and toil, the station of every 
liight was fortiiied. Provisions were difficult to 
procure, and a rapid advance into the enemy's 
country, must have been followed by as rapid 
^ retreat. He, properly, conceived that the 
security of the country and the favorable ter- 
mination of the war, depended more on main- 
taining the ground, in a slow advance, than by 
making a rapid incursion into their villages, 
which he might be obliged instantly to aban- 
don. At this time, the Six Nations had shown 
a disposition to hostilities, which the care of 
the President was scarcely able to prevent. — 
And on the south, it was with difficulty that 
the government of Georgia restrained the tur. 




WAYNE* MS 

Imlcnee of its savage neighbors. In Ibis situ- 
ation, a retreat of Ibe American troops, \\oul(l 
probably have been attended >vith the most 
fatal eonseqiienees to the country. 

The Indians had collected in great numbers, 
and it was necessary not only to rout them, but 
to occupy their country by a chain of posts, that 
should, for the future, check their predatory 
incursions. Pursuing this regular and syste- 
matic mode of advance, the autumn of 1793 
found general Wayne with his army at a post 
in the wilderness, called Greensville, about six 
miles in advance of fort Jefferson, where he 
determined to encamp for the winter, in order 
to make the necessary arrangements for open- 
ing the campaign to efiect early in the follow- 
ing spring. After fortifying his camp, he took 
possession of the ground on which the Ameri- 
cans had been defeated in 1791, which he for- 
tified also, and called the work fort Recovery, 
This situation of the army, menacing the In- 
dian villages, effectually prevented any attack 
on the white settlements. The impossibility 
of procuring the necessary supplies prevented 
the march of the troops till the summer. On 
the eighth of August the army arrived at the 
junction of the rivers An Glaize and Miami 
of the Lakes, where they erected works for 
the protection of the stores. About thirty 
miles from this place, tie British had formed 
a post, in the vicinity of which the Indians 
had assembled their whole force. On the 15th 
the army again advanced do;vn the, Miami, and 
on the IStli arrived at the Ilapids. On the 
following day they erected some works, for the 
Mm 2 



414 WAYNE. 

protection of the baggage. The situation of 
the enemy was reeonnoitered, and they ^A ere 
found posted in a thick wood, in the rear ol' 
Ihe British fort. On the twentieth the army 
advanced to the attack. The Miami covered 
the right flank, and on the left were the 
mounted volunteers, commanded by general 
T^j^dd. After marchiug about five miles, ma- 
jor Price, who led the advance, received so 
heavy a fire from the Indians, who were sta- 
(ioned behind trees, that he was compelled to 
fall back. The enemy had occupied a wood 
in front of the British fort, which, from the 
quantity of fallen timber, could not be enter- 
ed by the horse. The legion was immediate- 
ly ordered to adrance Avith trailed arms, and 
rouse them from tlieir covert ; the cavalry 
under captain Campbell, were directed to pass 
between the Indians and tlie river, while the 
volunteers, led by general Scott^ made a cir 
cuit to turn their flank. So rapid, however, 
was the charge of the legion, that before the 
rest of tlie army could get into action, the 
enemy were completely routed, and driven 
through the Avoods for more than two mile?;, 
and the troops halted within gun-shot of the 
British fort. All the Indians' houses and corn- 
fields were destroyed. In tliis decisive action, 
the whole loss of general Wayne's arnsy, in 
killed and wounded, amounted only to one hun- 
dred and seven men. As hostilities continued 
on the part of the Indians, their Mltole coun- 
try was laid waste, and forts established, which 
effectually prevented their return. 




WILIJAMS. oiB 

The success of this engagement destroyed 
the enemies' power; and in the ibllowing year 
general "Wayne concluded a deiinitivc treaty of 
peace >vith them. 

A life of peril and giory ^vns terminated in 
December, 1796. He had shielded liis coun- 
try from tlie niHrderoiis tomahawk of the sa- 
vage. He had established her boundaries 

He had forced her enemies to sue for her pro- 
tection. He beheld her triumphant, rich in arts, 
and potent in arms. What more could his pa- 
triotic spirit wish to see ? He died in a hut at 
Presque Isle, aged about fifty one years, and 
w as buried on the shore of Lake Erie. 

A few years since his bones were taken up 
by his son, Isaac Wayne, Esq. and entombed 
in his native county ; and by direction of the 
Pennsylvania State Society of the Cincinnati, 
an elegant monument of white marble, with 
suitable inscriptions thereon, has been erected 
to his memory. 

WILLIAMS, Otiio Hollaxd, a brigadier 
general in the American army, was born in 
the county of Prince George, in Maryland, in 
the year 1748. He was bred up in the elei'k's 
office of the county, a profession wliieh present- 
ed better prospects to a young man, than any 
other office then procurable under^tlie colonial 
government of Maryland. He was removed 
just before the war broke out, to the clerk's 
office in the county of Baltimore, of which he 
had the principal direction ; and the business 
of which he conducted with exemplary proprie- 
ty. Anxious to draw his sword in defence of 
his oppressed country, as scon as the last re- 



U6 WILLIAMS. 

sort became inevitable, Williams w^s appoint- 
cd lieutenant in tlic company of riflemen raised 
in the county of Frederic, commanded by cap- 
tain Price, and marched in 1775 to the Ame- 
rican camp before Boston. In 1776 a rifle rc- 
j^iment was formed, of which Stepcnson was 
appointed colonel, Rawlings lieutenant colonel,, 
and Williams major. 

Stepsicnson soon dyings the command of the 
regiment devolved upon Rawlings, who, with 
bis regiment, formed part of the garrison of 
Fort Washington, in the state of New York* 
when assailed by sir William Howe, pushing 
Washington over tlie North river. In this at- 
tach, tiie rifle regiment opposed the Hessian 
column, and ])ehaved to admiration, holding 
for a long time, victory in suspense, and se- 
verely crippling its adversary. The fort was 
novcrtheless carried by capitulation, and its 
garrison became prisoners of war. After the 
surrender of Burgoyne's army, colonel Wilkin- 
son,^* adjutant general to general Gates, who 
was personally attached to major Williams, 
procured his exchange for major Achland, 
wounded in the first action between the north- 
ern armies, and left on the ground, with many 
others, to the mercy of tlie American general. 
While in captivity, Williams became entitled 
to the command of a regiment, and as soon as 
lie was exchanged, he was placed at the head 
of the sixth Maryland. The Maryland and 
Delaware lines having been detached to South 

* Now major general James WilUir.son-. of the" 
present army ot the United States. 



WILLIAMS. 4ir 

Carolina, soon after the rediieiion of Charles- 
ton, colonel Williams accompanied the Baron 
De Kalb, and after general Gates took com- 
mand of the army, he Avas called to tlie impor- 
tant station of adjutant general to the same. 
He bore a distinguished part in the battle of 
the sixteenth of August, and shared with the- 
general in the bitter adversity of that disas- 
trous period. 

When Greene took command of the south- 
ern army, colonel Williams was retained in 
the station he then occupied, which he held to 
the end of the war, enjoying the uninterrupted 
confidence of his commander, and the esteem of 
his fellow soldiers. 

Throughout the important campaign which 
followed he acted a conspicuous part, aud 
greatly contributed by the honorable and in- 
telligent discharge of the duties of the station 
wh ch he held, to the successful issue of 
Greene's operations. At the head of the liglit 
troops, during our difficult retreat, be was sig- 
nally efficient, in holding the army safe until 
it effected its passage across the river Dan ; 
and after Greene's return in North Carolina, 
when, to save that state, the American gene- 
ral was constrained to put to hazard his infe- 
rior force, he was no less useful in thwarting 
the yarioiis attempts of lord Cornwallis to 
strike his antagonist, lie seconded his general 
in the fields of Guilford, of Ilobrick, and of 
Eutaws, invariably exciting by his impressive 
example, officer and soldier to the animated 
display of skill and courage. 



418 WILLIS. 

After tlic war he was appointed collector of 
the port of Baltimore. lie died in July, 1794, 
of a pulmonary complaint. 

Brigadier general Williams was ahoiit five 
feet ten inches high, erect and elegant in form, 
made for activity rather than strength. His 
countenance was expressive, and the faithful 
index of his warm and honest heart. Pleasing 
in his address, he never failed to render him- 
self acceptable, in whatever circle he moved, 
notwilhstandiag a sternness of character, which 
was sometimes mauifested with too much aspe- 
rity. He was beneficent to his friends, but very 
cold to all whose correctness in moral principle 
became questionable in his mind. As a soldier, 
he may be called a rigid, not cruel disciplina- 
rian ; obeying with exactitude his superior, he 
exacted the like obedience from his inferior. 

In the field of battle he was self-possessed, 
intelligent, and ardent j in camp circumspect, 
attentive and systematic ; in counsel sincere, 
deep, and perspicacious. During the campaigns 
of general Greene, he was uniformly one of his 
few advisers, and held his unchanged confic'ence. 
Nor was he less esteemed by his brother oflir 
cers^ or less respected by his soldiery. 

Previous to the disbandonraent of the army, 
congress manifested their sense of Williams* 
merit and services, by promoting him to tbo 
rank of brigadier general. 

WILLIS, Thomas, was an officer in the mi- 
litia of Pennsylvania, during the revolutionary 
war. He distinguished himself by ardor and 
intrepidity, on every occasion where his servi- 
ces were called for ; and often where they were 






WOLCOTT— WOOSTEK. U9 



Voluntary, and called for only by a spirit of in- 
dividual gallantry and zeal for the cause of his 
country. He had the honor of capturinj;^, by a 
hazardous enterprize on the Delaware, theiirst 
British vessel that was condemned in New Jer- 
sey in our revolution. He was an active, use- 
ful and skilful officer. He was a plain unas- 
suniing man ; but strength of intellect more 
than compensated the loss which he sustained 
in consequence of spending that period in the 
camp, which is usually devoted to the cultiva- 
tion of the mind. His heart was too honest to 
sufi'er or to tolerate deceit, and his fair integ- 
rity, his probity, and his manly openness and 
sincerity of conduct, endeared him to all who 
had the pleasure of his acquaintance. 

For some time previous to his dissolution lie 
commanded the twenty-fifth regiiiient, Penn- 
sylvania militia. He died in Fliiladelphia in 
January-, 1806, in the fiftieth year of his age. 
He died as he had lived, an ardent and sincere 
friend to the principles of the revolution. 

AYOLCOTT, Oliver, governor of Conncti- 
eut, was born about the year 17:27. He was a 
member of the ever memorable congress, whicii 
agreed upon the declaration of independence iu 
1776, and he boldly advocated that measure. — 
He was chosen governor in 1796, but died De- 
cember 1, 1797, aged seventy-one years. In- 
corruptible integrity and unshaken firmness 
were conspicuous traits in the character of go- 
vernor AVoIcott. He was the friend of virtue 
and religion. 

WOdSTER, David, major general in the 
revolutionary war, was bora at Stratford in 



420 WYNKOOP. 

1711, and was graduated at Yaie college in 
1738. At the commencement of the war with 
Great Britain, he was appointed to the chief 
command of the troops in the service of Con- 
necticut, and made a hrigadier general in the 
continental service ; hut this commission he af- 
terwards resigned. In 1776 he was appointed 
the first major general of the militia of his na- 
tive state. While opposing a detachment of 
British troops, Avhose object was to destroy the 
public stores at Danbury, he was mortally 
wounded at Ridgfield, April 27, 1777, and died 
on the second of May. Though seventy years 
old general Wooster behaved with the vigor 
and spirit of youth. Congress resolved, that a 
monument should be erected to his memory, as 
an acknowledgment of his merit and services. 
WYNKOOP, Gerakdus, was a native of 
Bucks county, in the state of Pennsylvania. — 
In the early periods of the memorable contesi, 
with Great Britain, he Avas zealously engaged 
in the to'iU of the tented field as a military 
officer, wliercin he greatly distinguished him- 
self in defence of American liberty. At sub- 
sequent periods of the war he was for several 
years, under the old constitution, speaker of the 
house of Assembly of Pennsylvania, then the 
sole legislative body in that state, which la- 
borious, honorable and highly resj)onsible of- 
fice, he discharged to the entire satisfaction of 
liis constituents, whose interests he pursued 
with the most conscientious fidelity, during 
nineteen years service as their representative 
in that body. He died in June lSi3, aged 
nearly eighty years. 



WYTHE. 421 

W YTHE, George, Chancellor of Virginia, 
and a distinguished friend of his country, was 
born in thi^ county of Elizabeth city, in 1726. 
At school lie learned only to read and write, 
and to apply the five first rules in arithmetic. 
Without the assistance of any instructor he 
acquired an accurate knowledge of the Greek, 
and he read the best authors in that as well as 
in the Latin language. He made himself also 
a profound lawyer, becoming perfectly versed 
in the civil and common law, and in the statutes 
of Great Britain and Virginia. He was also 
a skilful mathematician, and was well ac- 
quainted with moral and. natural philosophy. 

Having obtained a license to practice law, 
lie took his station at the bar of the old gene- 
ral court with many other great men, whose 
merit has been the boast of Virginia. Among 
them he was conspicuous not for his eloquence 
or ingenuity in maintaining a bad cause, but 
for his sound sense and learning, and rigid at- 
tachment to justice. He never undertook the 
support of a cause, which he knew to be bad, 
or which did not appear to be just and hono- 
rable. He was even known, when he doubted 
the statement of liis client, to insist upon his 
making an affidavit to its truth, and in every 
instance, where it was in his power, he exa- 
mined the witnesses as to the facts intended to 
be proved before he brought the suit, or agreed 
to defend it. 

When the time arrived, which Heaven had 
destined for the separation of the wide, confe- 
derated republic of America, from the domi- 
nion of Great Britain, Mr. Wythe was one of 
]vn 



i-2^ WYTHE. 

the instruments in the hand of providence lor 
accomplishing that great work. He took a 
decided part in the very first movements of op- 
position. Not content merely to fal] in with 
the wishes of his fellow citizens, he assisted ia 
persuading them not to suhmit to British ty- 
ranny. With a prophetic mind he looked for- 
ward to the event of an approaching war, and 
resolutely prepared to encounter all its evils 
rather than to resign his attachment to liber- 
ty. Witli his pupil and friend, Thomas Jef- 
ferson, he roused the people to resistance. As 
the controversy grew warm, his zeal became 
proportionally fervent. He joined a corps of 
volunteers, accustomed himself to military dis- 
cipline, and was ready to march at the call of 
Iiis country. But tha<^ country, to whose in- 
terests he was so sincerely attached, had other 
duties of more importance for him to perform. 
It was his destiny to obtain distinction as a 
statesman, legislator ami judge, and not as a 
warrior. Before the war commenced, he was 
elected a member of the Virginia assembly. — 
After having been for some time speaker of 
the house of burgesses, he was sent by the 
members of that body as one of their delegates 
to the congress, which assembled May 18, 
1775, and did not separate until it had declar- 
ed the independence of America. In that 
most enlightened and patriotic assembly he 
possessed no small share of influence. He was 
one of those, who signed the memorable decla- 
ration, by which the heroic legislators of this 
country pledged " their lives, their fortunes, 
and their sacred honor," to maintain and defend 



I 



WYTHE. 4.20 

its violated rights. But the voice of his native 
state soon called him from the husy scenes, 
where his talents had heen so nobly exerted. 
By a resolution of the general assembly of 
Virginia, dated November 5, 1776, Thomas 
Jefferson, Edmund Pendleton, George Wythe, 
George Mason, and Thomas Ludwell Lee were 
appointed a committee to revise the laws of 
the commonwealth, "^lliis was a work of very 
great labor difficulty. The committee of re- 
visors did not disappoint the expectations of 
their country. In the commencement of their 
labors they were deprived of the assistance, 
which might have heen received from the abi- 
lities of Messrs. Mason and Lee, by the death 
of the one and the resignation of the other. — 
The remaining three prosecuted their task with 
indefatigable activity and zeal, and, June 18, 
1779, made a report of one hundred and twen- 
ty-six bills, which they had prepared. This 
report showed an intimate knowledge of the 
great principles of legislation, and reflected 
the highest honor upon those who formed it. 

After finishing the task of new modelling 
the laws, he was employed to carry them into 
effect, by being placed in the difficult office of 
judge of a court of equity. He was one of the 
three judges of the high court of chancery, 
and afterwards sole chancellor of Virginia, in 
>vhich station he continued until the day of his 
death, during a period of more than twenty 
years. 

He was a member of the Virginia conven- 
tion, which in June 1788, considered the pro- 
posed constitution of the United States. He 



424 WYTHE. 

was ever attached to the constitution, on ae- 
count of the principles of freedom and justice, 
which it contained, and in every change of af- 
fairs he was steady in supporting the rights of 
man. His political opinions were always firmly 
repuhlican. He presided twice successively in 
the college of electors in Virginia, and twice 
voted for a president, whose political opinions 
coincided with his own. 

He died in June, 1806, in the eighty first 
year of his age. It was supposed that he was 
poisoned, but the person suspected was ac- 
quitted by a jury of his countrymen. By his 
last will he bequeathed his valuable library 
and philosophical apparatus to his friend, Mr. 
Jefferson, and distributed the remainder of his 
little property among the grand children of his 
sister, and the slaves, whom he had set free. 

Chancellor Wythe possessed a soul replete 
with benevolence. He was of a social and af- 
fectionate disposition. His integrity was ne- 
Yer even suspected. While he practised at 
the bar, when offers of an extraordinary but 
well merited compensation were made to him 
by clients, whose causes he had gained, he 
would say, that the laborer was indeed wor- 
thy of his hire, but the lawful fee was all he 
had a right to demand, a^id as to presents he 
did not want and would not accept them from 
any man. This grandeur of mind he uni- 
formly preserved to the end of his life. 

THE END. 



CONTENTS. 



A Page, 

A<1ams, Samuel, 1 

Allen, Ethan, 13 

Allen, Ebenezer, IS 

Allen, Moses, ib. 

Alexander, Wm. 21 

Arnold, Benedict, 22 

B 

Barry, John, 36 

Bayard, John, 37 

BartleU, Josiah, 38 

Biddle, Nicholas, 42 

Bland, Theodoric, 55 

Bowdoin, James, 56 

Brackett, Joshua, 60 

Bradford, Wm. ib. 

Bradford, Wm. 65 

Brooks, Eleazer, ib. 

Brown, Andrew, 66 

Brown, Moses, 67 

Bryan, George, 68 

Butler, Richard, 70 

Butler, Thomas, ib. 

C 

Caswell, Richard, 72 

Champe, Jolin, 74 

Chittenden, Thos. 80 



Page. 
Clinton, George, 82 
Cooper, Samuel, 93 
Cushing, Thomas, 96 

D 
Darke, William, 98 
Davidson, Wm. 99 
Dayton, Elias, 103 
Deane, Silas, lO^i 

Dickinson, John, 105 
Dickinson, Phln. 107 
Dravton, Wm. ib. 

^ E 
Ellsworth, Olv. 109 
Eustace, John, S. Ill 

F 
Franklin, Benj, 112 

G 
Gadsden, Chr. 123 
Gates, Horatio, 126 
Gist, Mordecai, 152 
Gordon, Wm. ib. 

Greene, Chr. 153 

Greene, Nathl, 159 

II 
Hale, Nathan, 175 
Hamilton, Alex. 179 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 

Hancock, John., 189 

Hart, Oliver, 196 

Tiawlej, Joseph, 198 

Heniy, Patrick, 199 

Ilopkinson, Frs. 20'i 

Howeli, Richard, 207 

Huntingdon, Sal. 208 

Hutchins, Thos. 209 

I 

Irvine, William, 211 

J 

Jones, Paul, 215 

K 

fCalh, Baron de, 231 

Killen, William, 237 

Kirk wood, 239 

Knox, Henry, . 240 

L 

Laurens, Henry, 248 

Laurens, John, 250 

Lee, Charles, 252 

Lee, Richard H. 263 

Livingston, Wm. 265 

M 

Macwhorter, Al. 267 

Manly, John, ib. 

Marion, Francis, 269 

Mathews, Thos. 273 

Mcrcei , Hugh, ih. 

Mifflin, Thos. 275 

Mo.jtgoniery, Rd. 277 

M<.rgan, Daniel, 288 

Morris, Robert, 305 



Page. 
Moultrie, Wm. 306 
Muhlenberg, Pet. 311 

N 
Nelson, Thos. 312 
Nisbet, Charles, 313 

O 
Ogden, ]Matthias, 314 
Olney, Jeremiah, ib. 
Otis, James, 

P 
Page, John, 
Paine, Thomas, 
Pendleton, Ed. 
Pierce, John, 
Preble, Edward, 
Prioleau, Samuel, 342 
Pulaski, count, 
Putnam, Israel, 

Q 

Quincey, Josiah, 

R 
Randolph, Peyt. 
Reed, Joseph, 
Rittenhouse, Dav. 354 

Rutledge, John, 358 

S 

Scammel, Alexr. 359 
Schaick, Gon. Va. 360 

Schuyler, Philip, 361 

Screven, 362 

Sujith, J. B. 363 

Smith, Isaac, 364 

Steuben, F. W. 365 

Sullivan, John, ib. 



316 

318 

319 

320 

ib. 

323 



343 
346 

351 

352 
ib. 



CONTENTS. 


Page. 


Page. 


T 


Washington, Wm. 400 


Thayer, Simeon, 369 


Wayne, Anthony, 405 


Thomas, John, 371 


Williams, O. H. ^t±B 


W 


Willis, Thomas, 418 


Ward, Artemus, ib. 


Woleott, Oliver, 419 


AVarren, Joseph, 373 


Wooster, David, ib. 


AVarren, James, 378 


Wynkoop, Ger. 420 


Washington, Geo. 379 


Wythe, George, 421 



JIIE POXLOWING ARE THG NAMES OF THE 
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WHO SUBSCRIBED 
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 
JUiY 4>, ±776, 



Samuel Adams, 
J hn Adams, 
Josiah Bartletf, 
Carter Braxton, 
George Clymer, 
Santue] Chase, 
Abraham Clark, 
Charles Carroll, 
William Ellery, 
William Floyd, 
Benjamin Franklin, 
El})ridg;e Gerry, 
Button Gwinnett, 
Stephen Hopkins, 
Samuel Huntingdon, 
Francis Hopkiiison, 
John Hart, 
Benjamin Harrison, 
William Hooper, 
Joseph Hughes, 



Thomas Lynch, jun. 
John Morton, 
Robert Morris, 
Arthur Middleton, 
Lewis Morris, 
Thosijas Nelson, jun. 
WilJiam Paca, 
Robert Treat Paine. 
John Penn, 
Benjamin Rush, 
Cjesar Rodney, 
George Ross, 
George Read, 
Edward Rutledge, 
Roger Sherman, 
Richard Stockton, 
James Smith, 
Tliouias Stone, 
George Taylor, 
Mathew Thorntou, 



Thomas Heyward, jun William Whipple, 



Lyman Hall, 
Thomas Jefferson, 
Philip Livingston, 
Francis Lewis, 
Rii'hard Henry Lee, 
Francis L. Lee, 



Jolin Witherspoon, 
AVilliam Williams, 
Oliver Wolcott, 
James Wilson, 
G^'orge Wythe, 
George Walton. 

Jolm Hancock, President, 
Charles Thompson, Secretary. 



V W 



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